TF (tissue factor) is the main trigger of the coagulation cascade; by binding Factor VIIa it activates Factor IX and Factor X, thereby resulting in fibrin formation. Various stimuli, such as cytokines, growth factors and biogenic amines, induce TF expression and activity in vascular cells. Downstream targets of these mediators include diverse signalling molecules such as MAPKs (mitogen-activated protein kinases), PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase) and PKC (protein kinase C). In addition, TF can be detected in the bloodstream, known as circulating or blood-borne TF. Many cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia and smoking, are associated with increased expression of TF. Furthermore, in patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes, elevated levels of circulating TF are found. Apart from its role in thrombosis, TF has pro-atherogenic properties, as it is involved in neointima formation by inducing vascular smooth muscle cell migration. As inhibition of TF action appears to be an attractive target for the treatment of cardiovascular disease, therapeutic strategies are under investigation to specifically interfere with the action of TF or, alternatively, promote the effects of TFPI (TF pathway inhibitor).
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Review Article|
October 26 2009
Tissue factor: beyond coagulation in the cardiovascular system
Alexander Breitenstein;
Alexander Breitenstein
*Cardiovascular Research, Physiology Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
†Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
‡Cardiology, Cardiovascular Center, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Giovanni G. Camici;
Giovanni G. Camici
*Cardiovascular Research, Physiology Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
†Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Felix C. Tanner
*Cardiovascular Research, Physiology Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
†Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
‡Cardiology, Cardiovascular Center, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
Correspondence: Professor Felix C. Tanner (email [email protected]).
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Publisher: Portland Press Ltd
Received:
November 28 2008
Revision Received:
June 25 2009
Accepted:
June 25 2009
Online ISSN: 1470-8736
Print ISSN: 0143-5221
© The Authors Journal compilation © 2010 Biochemical Society
2010
Clin Sci (Lond) (2010) 118 (3): 159–172.
Article history
Received:
November 28 2008
Revision Received:
June 25 2009
Accepted:
June 25 2009
Citation
Alexander Breitenstein, Giovanni G. Camici, Felix C. Tanner; Tissue factor: beyond coagulation in the cardiovascular system. Clin Sci (Lond) 1 February 2010; 118 (3): 159–172. doi: https://doi.org/10.1042/CS20080622
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