fibriinogeenistä

Fibriinogeeni, also known as factor I, is a soluble glycoprotein synthesized primarily in the liver. It circulates in the blood plasma and plays a crucial role in hemostasis, the process of stopping bleeding. Fibrinogen is a key component of the coagulation cascade, a series of enzymatic reactions that ultimately leads to the formation of a blood clot.

When a blood vessel is injured, tissue factor is exposed, initiating the coagulation cascade. This cascade culminates in the activation of thrombin, an enzyme that cleaves fibrinogen into fibrin monomers. These fibrin monomers then polymerize, forming a mesh-like structure that traps blood cells and platelets, creating a stable clot. The liver produces approximately 1-3 grams of fibrinogen per day, and its concentration in plasma is normally between 2-4 grams per liter.

Abnormal levels of fibrinogen can have significant health implications. Low fibrinogen levels, known as hypofibrinogenemia or afibrinogenemia, can lead to an increased tendency to bleed. Conversely, high fibrinogen levels, or hyperfibrinogenemia, are often associated with an increased risk of thrombosis, or blood clot formation within blood vessels. Fibrinogen is also considered an acute-phase reactant, meaning its levels can increase in response to inflammation or infection. Measuring fibrinogen levels is a common laboratory test used to assess blood clotting ability and to diagnose and monitor various bleeding and clotting disorders.