FACTOR XIIIA Meaning and
Definition
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Factor XIIIa, also known as fibrin-stabilizing factor, is a transglutaminase enzyme that plays a crucial role in the final stages of the blood coagulation cascade. It is a protein that works to cross-link fibrin monomers, strengthening the fibrin clot and enhancing its stability.
In the coagulation process, factor XIII is activated by thrombin, which cleaves a small peptide from the precursor molecule. This resulting active form, factor XIIIa, is then able to induce cross-linking of fibrin polymers through covalent bonding. This interaction between fibrin molecules creates a mesh-like network that reinforces the clot formation and thereby prevents its premature dissolution.
Factor XIIIa is produced by activated platelets and macrophages, and it can be found in plasma and various tissues. Its deficiency can lead to impaired clot stability, resulting in a higher susceptibility to bleeding disorders, such as congenital factor XIII deficiency. Additionally, excessive activity of factor XIIIa has been associated with pathological conditions such as fibrosis, thrombosis, and tissue damage.
The measurement of factor XIIIa activity is important in diagnosing and monitoring bleeding disorders. It can be assessed through specialized laboratory tests, including the factor XIII activity assay, which measures the amount of factor XIIIa in a sample and determines its functionality.
In summary, factor XIIIa is a transglutaminase enzyme that plays a critical role in stabilizing blood clots by cross-linking fibrin polymers. Its deficiency can lead to bleeding disorders, while excessive activity may contribute to pathological conditions.
Common Misspellings for FACTOR XIIIA
- factor xiiua
- dactor xiiia
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- vactor xiiia
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- tactor xiiia
- ractor xiiia
- fzctor xiiia
- fsctor xiiia
- fwctor xiiia
- fqctor xiiia
- faxtor xiiia
- favtor xiiia
- faftor xiiia
- fadtor xiiia
- facror xiiia
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- facgor xiiia
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- fac6or xiiia
Etymology of FACTOR XIIIA
The term "Factor XIIIa" has a scientific etymology, specifically in the field of biology and medical research.
The term "Factor XIIIa" refers to a blood clotting protein known as Factor XIII activated form. The protein is part of the coagulation cascade, a series of reactions involved in the formation of blood clots to prevent bleeding.
The term "Factor XIIIa" can be broken down into two parts: "Factor XIII" and "a".
- "Factor XIII" refers to the protein itself, which was initially discovered as a clotting factor in the blood. The term "Factor" is used to denote its involvement in the coagulation process.
- The letter "a" in "Factor XIIIa" indicates the activated form of the protein. When Factor XIII is activated by another clotting factor called thrombin, it becomes Factor XIIIa.
