Fibrinogen (FBG) is a homodimer of molecular mass 340 kDa, made up of two sets of ?, ?, ? polypeptide chains, and synthesized in the parenchymal cell of the hepatocyte and in the megakaryocyte (1). FBG plays a major role in coagulation, and both elevated and decreased levels have clinical significance. Upon cleavage by thrombin in the initial stages of coagulation activation, FBG self-assembles to yield a fibrin clot matrix that subsequently is crosslinked by factor XIIIa to form an insoluble network. FBG also binds to the platelet glycoprotein IIbIIIa receptor so as to form bridges between platelets, thus facilitating aggregation (2). Elevated plasma FBG has been identified as an independent risk factor for coronary atherosclerosis and ischemic heart disease (3, 4). Individuals with congenital absence of FBG, termed afibrinogenemia, have prolonged bleeding times.
Quick Search
Products 
