Tissue factor pathway inhibitor
Review published in Minerva medica (1999)
Abstract
The role of Tissue Factor (TF, thromboplastin) as the major factor in initiation of the blood coagulation process has been known for more than 100 years. Its importance for the development of clinical thrombosis, be it venous or arterial, and the complexity of the cell biology of TF, have however been increasingly appreciated over the past 15-20 years. Acting as a cofactor for coagulation factor VIIa, it is now clear that TF is able to activate factor IX. Aberrant expression of TF seems to play a major role in the intravascular coagulations disorders linked to endotoxemia, malignancies, immunological diseases and atherosclerosis. Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor (TFPI) is the natural direct inhibitor of TF/FVIIa complex. In this study the physiological role, mechanism of action and pharmacological potential of TFPI are discussed.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Summary
Review discussing tissue factor's role in initiating coagulation and thrombosis, and the physiological function, mechanism of action and pharmacological potential of tissue factor pathway inhibitor, the natural direct inhibitor of the TF/FVIIa complex.
Context
This review discusses the physiological role, mechanism of action, and pharmacological potential of Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor (TFPI), the natural direct inhibitor of the TF/FVIIa complex, in the context of tissue factor's central role in initiating blood coagulation and its involvement in intravascular coagulation disorders. The abstract contains no mention of leeches, hirudotherapy, or any leech-derived compound. The study reviews a mammalian endogenous anticoagulant pathway. The abstract does not draw any link to leech biology or hirudotherapy.
Citation
Reference (Vancouver style)
Camici M, Sagripanti A. Tissue factor pathway inhibitor. Minerva Med. 1999;90(1-2):25-32. PMID: 10388460
Bibliographic details (authors, volume, pages, DOI) are taken from the PubMed record.
Added to ASH library: May 28, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026