Thromb Haemost 2014; 112(05): 868-875
DOI: 10.1160/th14-04-0311
Theme Issue Article
Schattauer GmbH

In vivo activation and functions of the protease factor XII

Jenny Björkqvist
1   Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
2   Center of Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
,
Katrin F. Nickel
1   Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
2   Center of Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
3   Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
,
Evi Stavrou
4   Department of Medicine, Hematology and Oncology Division, Case Western Reserve University; Louis Stokes Veterans Administration Hospital; University Hospital Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
,
Thomas Renné
1   Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
2   Center of Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
3   Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 03 April 2014

Accepted after major revision: 07 July 2014

Publication Date:
20 November 2017 (online)

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Summary

Combinations of proinflammatory and procoagulant reactions are the unifying principle for a variety of disorders affecting the cardiovascular system. Factor XII (FXII, Hageman factor) is a plasma protease that initiates the contact system. The biochemistry of the contact system in vitro is well understood; however, its in vivo functions are just beginning to emerge. The current review concentrates on activators and functions of the FXII-driven contact system in vivo. Elucidating its physiologic activities offers the exciting opportunity to develop strategies for the safe interference with both thrombotic and inflammatory diseases.