title: Pathophysiology of antiphospholipid antibodies.
abstract: The presence of antiphospholipid antibodies in plasma is a risk factor for thromboembolic complications. In vitro, however, the same antibodies can prolong dotting times in coagulation assays, a classic marker for a bleeding tendency. For years this contradiction has puzzled many scientists. Recently new insights into the interaction between antiphospholipid antibodies and their main target, the protein beta-2-glycoprotein I, have opened new avenues for the understanding of the pathology of this syndrome.
authors.affiliation: Department of Haematology, Room G03.647, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands. ph.g.degroot@azu.nl
authors.forename: P G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: de Groot
authors.forename: R H W M
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Derksen
mesh_terms: D017152:Antibodies, Antiphospholipid / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D016736:Antiphospholipid Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001780:Blood Coagulation Tests; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000209:etiology; D053482:beta 2-Glycoprotein I
chemical_list: D017152:Antibodies, Antiphospholipid; D006023:Glycoproteins; D053482:beta 2-Glycoprotein I