Role of thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor in endocrine and cardiovascular disorders: an update.

Thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) is a zymogene that potently inhibits fibrinolysis through the removal of the carboxy-terminal lysine and arginine residues from partially degraded fibrin polymers. In addition, TAFI has a suppressor effect on conversion of inactive plasminogen to plasmin. Since impaired fibrinolysis is a very well established risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, understanding the role of TAFI in cardiovascular disorders, insulin resistance, diabetes and other endocrine problems may hold promise for improving management of these diseases. This paper includes a review of current evidence on TAFI pathway and its alteration in endocrine and cardiovascular disorders and relevant patents.