Impact of automation on the quantitation of low molecular weight markers of hemostatic defects

Abstract

Through in depth studies, the biochemical pathways of hemostasis-related systems have been elucidated in terms of well-defined molecular mechanisms. The interrelationships of coagulation, fibrinolytic, kallikrein-kinin, platelets, prostaglandins, blood vessel, and complement systems are now well understood. Methods are currently developed to quantitate the molecular markers of each of these systems and define the involvement of each in disease and drug-related aberrations. Molecular markers allow for very early detection of disease states well before clinical manifestations are seen or current coagulation methods are affected. Therefore prophylactic or therapeutic treatment can begin before a disease state causes damage. Platelet factor 4 and beta-thromboglobulin are low molecular weight proteins released from the light (alpha) granules of platelets and provide a reliable index of endogenous activation and consumption of platelets. Serotonin and ADP are released during activation from the beta-granules and can be measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Fibrinopeptide A is a molecular marker of the activation of the coagulation process and provides a useful index of the action of thrombin on fibrinogen. Elevated levels of this peptide are found in patients with hypercoagulable states or a thrombotic tendency. B beta 15-42 peptides are released at the early stages of fibrinolysis and are a useful collective parameter for the measurement of the activation of fibrinolysis. In both the primary and secondary fibrinolytic disorders this peptide is elevated. Circulating kinins provide information on the activation of the kallikrein system and are useful in monitoring coagulation and shock related disorders. Arachidonic acid metabolites, such as thromboxanes and prostacyclins, are products of platelet and vascular endothelium interactions. Their measurement in peripheral blood provides a useful tool to measure the vascular and platelet-related thrombotic defects. Furthermore, antiplatelet therapy can be monitored using these parameters. Numerous other metabolites of arachidonic acid such as the leukotrienes and PAFs also are generated in various immunopathologic disorders associated with hemostatic activation. Unlike the other coagulant tests, the measurement of molecular markers in native blood or plasma samples provides a true picture of the endogenous physiology. Since no activator or additive is added to influence the test, these markers provide the most relevant information on the pathophysiologic condition. Since most of these markers are proteins or low molecular weight products, isotopic and nonisotopic immunoassays, high performance liquid chromatography and fluorometric methods can be used to analyze their levels. Furthermore, multiple panels can be developed to profile various pathologic states.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)