title: Protein Z.
abstract: Protein Z is a vitamin K-dependent protein. The first cases of protein Z deficiency were described in patients suffering from a bleeding tendency from otherwise unknown origin. Today, diminutions of protein Z seem to play a role not only in bleeding patients but also in patients with factor V Leiden mutation: Patients presenting with factor V Leiden mutation and low protein Z levels show earlier onset and higher frequency of thromboembolic events than do patients presenting with factor V Leiden mutation and normal protein Z levels. Thus, protein Z is a good example for the--at first sight--paradox action of coagulation proteins.
authors.affiliation: Zentrum Innere Medizin, Giessen, Germany. Bettina.Kemkes-Matthes@innere.med.uni-giessen.de
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kemkes-Matthes
authors.forename: K J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Matthes
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000172:deficiency*; D002648:Child; D005165:Factor V / Q000235:genetics; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D010641:Phenotype; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology; D019851:Thrombophilia / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D001798:Blood Proteins; C095381:factor V Leiden; C026080:plasma protein Z; D005165:Factor V