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(Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology. 2008;28:387.)
© 2008 American Heart Association, Inc.

Venous Thromboembolism: Mechanisms, Treatment and Public Awareness

Mechanisms of Venous Thrombosis and Resolution

Thomas W. Wakefield; Daniel D. Myers; Peter K. Henke

From the Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery (T.W.W., D.D.M., P.K.H.) and Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine (D.D.M.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Correspondence to Thomas W. Wakefield, MD, CVC 5463, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, SPC 5867, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5867. E-mail thomasww{at}umich.edu

Abstract

Venous thromboembolism is a significant health care problem in the US. In this review, the unique role of inflammation to the venous thrombotic process is emphasized as well as the potential role of abnormalities of fibrinolytic mechanisms to the thrombotic process. Inflammation influences not only thrombogenesis but also thrombus resolution and vein wall remodeling, and these interactions are also discussed. Knowledge of molecular and immunologic mechanisms for venous thrombosis and its resolution should allow for the future development of targeted therapies.

Key Words: venous thrombosis • inflammation • selectins • plasminogen • fibrosis