Natural Proteins
Product List
Bivalirudin
Bivalirudin
Eptifibatide Human
Eptifibatide Human
Introduction
Anti-coagulation factors are substances or drugs that inhibit blood coagulation, preventing the formation of abnormal blood clots. They are commonly known as blood thinners and are used to treat or prevent conditions associated with abnormal blood clot formation, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), atrial fibrillation, and certain cardiovascular disorders .
Classification:
- Vitamin K Antagonists (VKAs): Inhibit the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors (e.g., Warfarin).
- Direct Oral Anti-Coagulants (DOACs): Target specific clotting factors (e.g., Dabigatran, Rivaroxaban, Apixaban, Edoxaban).
- Heparins: Enhance the activity of antithrombin, inhibiting factors IIa and Xa (e.g., Unfractionated heparin, Low molecular weight heparins like enoxaparin and dalteparin) .
Key Biological Properties:
Primary Biological Functions:
- Preventing Thrombosis: Anti-coagulation factors prevent the formation of blood clots in veins and arteries.
- Role in Immune Responses: They help modulate immune responses by preventing excessive clot formation that can lead to inflammation and tissue damage .
- Pathogen Recognition: Some anti-coagulation factors, like heparin, have been shown to interact with pathogens, potentially inhibiting their ability to cause disease .
Mechanisms:
- Interaction with Molecules and Cells: Anti-coagulation factors interact with various molecules and cells in the coagulation cascade.
- Binding Partners: For example, heparins enhance the activity of antithrombin, leading to the inhibition of thrombin and factor Xa .
- Downstream Signaling Cascades: These interactions prevent the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin, thereby impeding clot formation .
Regulation:
- Transcriptional Regulation: The expression of anti-coagulation factors is regulated at the genetic level, with various transcription factors influencing their production.
- Post-Translational Modifications: Modifications such as phosphorylation and glycosylation can affect the activity and stability of these factors .
Biomedical Research: Anti-coagulation factors are used to study blood clotting mechanisms and develop new therapeutic strategies. Diagnostic Tools: They are used in diagnostic assays to measure clotting times and assess bleeding disorders. Therapeutic Strategies: Anti-coagulation therapy is crucial in managing conditions like atrial fibrillation, DVT, and PE .
Throughout the Life Cycle:
- Development: Anti-coagulation factors are essential during development to prevent abnormal clot formation.
- Aging: Their role becomes increasingly important with age as the risk of thrombotic events increases.
- Disease: In conditions like cardiovascular disease, anti-coagulation therapy is vital to prevent complications such as stroke and heart attack .
