The regulatory role of coagulation factors in vascular function.

Abstract

The coagulation takes place in the hemostasis system and is a is hallmarked by a complex interplay of reactions between coagulation proteins. In the presence of a vascular breach, the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin leads to the formation of insoluble fibrin fibers that will stop bleeding and limit blood loss. Hemostasis is known to be disturbed in many diseases leading to hemorrhages or thrombosis. Despite the role of coagulation in hemostasis, recent evidences suggested that coagulation factors are involved in other (patho)physiological processes in the vasculature not necessarily marked by overt clotting, such as atherosclerosis and hypertension. Many direct (through protease activated receptors) or indirect effects of several coagulation factors are now well described. This review is focusing on the role of coagulation factors in the (dys)regulation of vascular function.