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Semin Thromb Hemost 2019; 45(01): 086-093
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1677040
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Arterial and Venous Thrombosis

Elodie Laridan
1   Laboratory for Thrombosis Research, KU Leuven Campus Kulak Kortrijk, Kortrijk, Belgium
,
Kimberly Martinod
1   Laboratory for Thrombosis Research, KU Leuven Campus Kulak Kortrijk, Kortrijk, Belgium
,
Simon F. De Meyer
1   Laboratory for Thrombosis Research, KU Leuven Campus Kulak Kortrijk, Kortrijk, Belgium
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
11 January 2019 (online)

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Abstract

Thrombotic complications are still a major health risk worldwide. Our view on the pathophysiology of thrombosis has significantly changed since the discovery of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and their prothrombotic characteristics. Generated by neutrophils that release their decondensed chromatin as a network of extracellular fibers, NETs promote thrombus formation by serving as a scaffold that activates platelets and coagulation. The thrombogenic involvement of NETs has been described in various settings of thrombosis, including stroke, myocardial infarction, and deep vein thrombosis. The aim of this review is to summarize existing evidence showing the presence of NETs in human thrombus material. Following an introduction on NETs and their role in thrombus formation, the authors address studies showing the presence of NETs in arterial or venous thrombi. In addition, they focus on potential novel therapeutic opportunities to resolve or prevent thrombosis by targeting NETs.

Keywords

NETs - thrombosis - neutrophil - stroke - venous thromboembolism - myocardial infarction
 

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