Fibrinogensaktivität

Fibrinogensaktivität, or fibrinogen activity, refers to the functional capacity of fibrinogen within the blood clotting cascade. Fibrinogen itself is a soluble protein synthesized in the liver that plays a crucial role in hemostasis, the process of stopping bleeding. Upon activation by the enzyme thrombin, fibrinogen undergoes a transformation. This transformation involves the cleavage of specific peptides, leading to the formation of fibrin monomers. These monomers then spontaneously polymerize, creating a mesh-like network of fibrin strands. This fibrin network is essential for stabilizing the blood clot, trapping blood cells, and ultimately sealing off damaged blood vessels.

The measurement of fibrinogensaktivität is important in clinical diagnostics. Low levels of functional fibrinogen, known as hypofibrinogenemia, or the presence of dysfunctional fibrinogen molecules, dysfibrinogenemia, can lead to impaired clotting and an increased risk of bleeding. Conversely, certain conditions can lead to elevated fibrinogen levels, which are associated with an increased risk of thrombosis, or blood clot formation. Assays that specifically measure fibrinogen's ability to form a clot, rather than just its total concentration, are used to assess fibrinogensaktivität. This functional assessment provides a more accurate picture of the hemostatic potential related to fibrinogen.