Pathogenic role of tissue factor in atherothrombosis and endothelial dysfunction

Abstract

Vessel occlusion by rupture or atheroma erosion leading to thrombosis is the underlying cause of severe complications, including sudden cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Tissue factor is known to play the key role in the initiation of the majority of stages of coagulation cascade. Recent studies explained the structure, synthesis and activation mechanisms of tissue factor. Tissue factor is the main component of atherothrombotic process and is associated with the immune inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, angiogenesis, and cell migration that play an important role in the development of cardiovascular, inflammatory and oncological pathology. Basal activity of tissue factor is the independent parameter of cardiovascular risk, the predictor of thrombolysis efficacy and affects the results of angioplasty interventions. The effects of medications (e.g. statins), including those in drug-eluting stents, on tissue factor are the objective of further investigation. Studies of physiological and pathogenic role of tissue factor will have a great impact on our understanding of cardiovascular pathology and other diseases.