Tissue factor pathway inhibitor: an update of potential implications in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders.
Review published in Expert opinion on investigational drugs (2001)
Abstract
Tissue factor (TF) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of thrombotic, vascular and inflammatory disorders. Thus, the inhibition of this membrane protein provides a unique therapeutic approach for prophylaxis and/or treatment of various diseases. Tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), the only endogenous inhibitor of the TF/Factor VIIa (FVIIa) complex, has recently been characterised biochemically and pharmacologically. Studies in patients demonstrated that both TF and TFPI may be indicators for the course and the outcome of cardiovascular and other diseases. Based on experimental and clinical data, TFPI might become an important drug for several clinical indications. TFPI is expected to inhibit the development of post-injury intimal hyperplasia and thrombotic occlusion in atherosclerotic vessels as well as to be effective in acute coronary syndromes, such as unstable angina and myocardial infarction. Of special interest is the inhibition of TF-mediated processes in sepsis and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), which are associated with the activation of various inflammatory pathways as well as of the coagulation system. A Phase II trial of the efficacy of TFPI in patients with severe sepsis showed a mortality reduction in TFPI- compared to placebo-treated patients and an improvement of organ dysfunctions. TFPI can be administered exogenously in high doses to suppress TF-mediated effects, alternatively high amounts of TFPI can be released from intravascular stores by other drugs, such as heparin and low molecular weight heparins (LMWH). Using this method high concentrations of the inhibitor are provided at sites of tissue damage and ongoing thrombosis. At present, clinical studies with TFPI are rather limited so that the clinical potential of the drug cannot be assessed properly. However, TFPI and its variants are expected to undergo further development and to find indications in various clinical states.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
Tissue factor (TF) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of thrombotic, vascular and inflammatory disorders. Thus, the inhibition of this membrane protein provides a unique therapeutic approach for prophylaxis and/or treatment of various diseases.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
Esta revisión discute la caracterización bioquímica y farmacológica del inhibidor de la vía del factor tisular (TFPI) y sus potenciales implicaciones terapéuticas en los trastornos cardiovasculares. Destaca un ensayo de fase II en el cual el TFPI mostró una reducción de la mortalidad y una mejoría de la disfunción orgánica en pacientes con sepsis grave en comparación con placebo, y señala que la heparina y las heparinas de bajo peso molecular pueden liberar TFPI endógeno a partir de depósitos intravasculares. Si bien el TFPI representa una vía importante para el desarrollo de fármacos anticoagulantes y antiinflamatorios, este artículo no posee relevancia directa para la Sociedad Americana de Hirudoterapia. El resumen explora una proteína humana endógena y la administración de fármacos exógenos sin realizar ninguna referencia a las sanguijuelas, la hirudoterapia ni el secretoma de la sanguijuela.
Citación
Tissue factor pathway inhibitor: an update of potential implications in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders.
Kaiser et al. · Expert opinion on investigational drugs, 2001
Contexto clínico relacionado
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 28, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: 18 de junio de 2026