Tissue regenerating functions of coagulation factor XIII

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The protransglutaminase factor XIII (FXIII) has recently gained interest within the field of tissue regeneration, as it has been found that FXIII significantly influences wound healing by exerting a multitude of functions. It supports haemostasis by enhancing platelet adhesion to damaged endothelium, and by its cross-linking activity it stabilizes the formed fibrin clot. Furthermore, FXIII limits bacterial dissemination from the wound and incorporates macromolecules of importance for cellular infiltration supporting cell migration and survival. FXIII-mediated complex formation of the VEGF-receptor 2 and the αVβ3 integrin is important for angiogenesis supporting formation of granulation tissue. Chronic inflammatory conditions involving bleeding and activation of the coagulation cascade have been shown to lead to reduced FXIII levels in plasma. Of particular importance for this review is that patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have reduced FXIII antigen levels and activity. Furthermore, these patients show impaired mucosal healing which supports the inflammatory state of the disease. This review summarizes the role of FXIII in the healing of wounds, and briefly summarizes previous use of FXIII in clinical settings. Moreover, it addresses the potential role for FXIII as a therapeutic agent in the healing of persistent wounds during chronic conditions with emphasis on IBD. © 2013 International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis.
Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis
ISSN1538-7933
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2013

ID: 48534764