Semin Thromb Hemost 2001; 27(5): 551-556
DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-17966
Copyright © 2001 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Protein Z

Bettina Kemkes-Matthes, Karl J. Matthes
  • Zentrum Innere Medizin, Giessen, Germany
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Publication History

Publication Date:
22 October 2001 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Protein Z is a vitamin K-dependent protein. The first cases of protein Z deficiency were described in patients suffering from a bleeding tendency from otherwise unknown origin. Today, diminutions of protein Z seem to play a role not only in bleeding patients but also in patients with factor V Leiden mutation: Patients presenting with factor V Leiden mutation and low protein Z levels show earlier onset and higher frequency of thromboembolic events than do patients presenting with factor V Leiden mutation and normal protein Z levels. Thus, protein Z is a good example for the-at first sight-paradox action of coagulation proteins.

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