last updated 20-11-2024

Coagulation

Coagulation and its cascade

Hemostasis is controlled by the formation of thrombin (factor IIa) the enzyme which converts fibrinogen into fibrin. Thrombin itself is formed from prothrombin (factor II) at the end of the coagulation cascade. The biochemical properties of the coagulation factors can be grouped as follows: Factors II, VII, IX, X, XI and XII are all pro-enzymes. The so called vitamin K dependent factors (factors II, VII, IX and X) contain 10-12 γ-carboxyglutamic acid residues (Gla’s) in the aminoterminal end of the protein, which defines their affinity for phospholipid membranes. Factors V and VIII are pro-cofactors which are activated by thrombin during the coagulation process. Factor XIII, which is also activated by thrombin, is a transglutaminase involved in stabilizing the fibrin clot.

The intrinsic route of coagulation begins with the activation of factor XII via its binding to surfaces like silica or collagen (contact activation). The extrinsic coagulation pathway is initiated by the binding of factor VII to a complex of tissue factor (TF) and negatively charged phospholipids. Each coagulation factor is activated by limited proteolysis. These reactions occur at the surface of negatively charged phospholipids (activated platelets) in the presence of calcium ions. In vivo, coagulation is mostly initiated via the extrinsic pathway, by exposure of TF to the blood at the site of the vascular lesion or by stimulation of vascular cells by inflammatory compounds like endotoxins, cytokines and TNF.

1

Hemophilic A patients have bleeding disorders because 

2

The complex sequence of steps leading to the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin is: 

3

Which of the following coagulation factors belong to the group of contact activation factors? 

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