Coagulation Factor VIIa, also known as Factor VII activated or activated Factor VII (FVIIa), is a key protein involved in the blood clotting process. It is an enzyme that plays a vital role in initiating the coagulation cascade, a complex sequence of events that ultimately leads to the formation of a blood clot to prevent excessive bleeding.
Coagulation Factor VIIa is produced in the liver and circulates in the blood in an inactive form. When injury or damage occurs to blood vessels, the enzyme is activated by tissue factor, also known as Factor III, which is released from disrupted cells or exposed collagen in the damaged blood vessels.
Once activated, Factor VIIa binds to its cofactor, tissue factor, to form the tissue factor-FVIIa complex. This complex then activates the subsequent steps in the coagulation cascade, leading to the production of thrombin, a key enzyme in the clotting process.
Coagulation Factor VIIa deficiency can lead to an increased risk of bleeding, while elevated levels of FVIIa can increase the risk of blood clots. Therefore, maintaining the appropriate balance of FVIIa is crucial for effective blood clotting and hemostasis.
Factor VIIa is used in clinical medicine as a hemostatic agent to control bleeding in patients with certain bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia, or in surgical settings. Additionally, research is ongoing to explore the potential therapeutic uses of Factor VIIa in other conditions, such as traumatic injury or liver disease.
