Key to blood clotting discovered (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

Scientists have discovered a molecular mechanism that is key to regulating the way blood clots.

The team from Harvard University, writing in the journal Science, said the finding could help treat people who have blood-clotting disorders.

If blood clots too much, people can develop a potentially fatal thrombosis; too little and they can bleed to death.

UK experts said the research was important and could help develop new treatments for blood disorders.
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The Harvard team identified an area on the von Willebrand factor (VWF) blood-clotting protein which contains a molecular sensor to regulate the size of the protein, important for it to work effectively.
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more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8082692.stm


abstract (full text for subscribers): http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/sci;324/5932/1330
(You'll have to copy and paste the link to your browser, the semicolon breaks the link)

[Triana]

1. This is good news. My aunt is a 'bleeder'

Almost died giving birth (this was years ago - guess they didn't know before she had kids or something). Anyway, surgery is a big problem w/ her because of this. She's terminally ill with cancer now but has suffered all her life with a blood disorder - basically hers doesn't clot like it should.

[Ilsa]

2. Fabulous! No more DIC! (Disseminated Intravascular Coagulopathy) or "Death is Coming"

because of the 50% mortality rate, roughly. It is a cascade of clotting and unclotting triggers.

Okay, no more DIC eventually. I hope. At least people won't bleed out after trauma if they get treated.

[jemsan]

3. My husband has a clotting disorder...Major disabling stroke at 56 and both

my daughters have the same gene. One is currently 5 months into a high risk pregnancy. This would be great news in helping them and others like them!

[doc03]

4. I also have clotting disorder after

getting two blood clots in my leg they gave me a Greenfield filter. The filter is supposed to catch clots before they travel to the heart, lungs or brain. Still have to take blood thinner. Sure would be great news if they get it approved and it works.