title: In vivo activation and functions of the protease factor XII.
abstract: 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.
authors.forename: Jenny
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Björkqvist
authors.forename: Katrin F
authors.initials: KF
authors.lastname: Nickel
authors.forename: Evi
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Stavrou
authors.affiliation: Thomas Renné, MD, PhD, Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg, D-20246 Hamburg, Germany, Tel.: +49 40 7410 58984, Fax: +49 40 7410 57576 and Clinical Chemistry, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Solna (L1:00), SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden, Tel.: +46 8 517 73390,Fax: +46 310376, E-mail: thomas@renne.net.
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Renné
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001777:Blood Coagulation / Q000502:physiology; D004789:Enzyme Activation; D005174:Factor XII / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D005175:Factor XII Deficiency / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics; D006493:Heparin / Q000494:pharmacology; D056828:Hereditary Angioedema Type III / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D023421:Models, Animal; D008954:Models, Biological; D015539:Platelet Activation; D011122:Polyphosphates / Q000097:blood; D066329:Protein Aggregates; D012306:Risk; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D011122:Polyphosphates; D066329:Protein Aggregates; D005174:Factor XII; D006493:Heparin
keywords: Coagulation factors; contact phase; proteases