The Open Autoimmunity Journal

2010, 2 : 58-66
Published online 2010 March 11. DOI: 10.2174/1876894601002010058
Publisher ID: TOAUTOJ-2-58

A Comprehensive Review of Thrombogenic Mechanisms in APS

Renán Aguilar-Valenzuela , Laura Aline Martínez-Martínez and Silvia S. Pierangeli
Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA

ABSTRACT

The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an acquired thombophilia, which is characterized by one or more thrombotic episodes and obstetric complications in the presence of antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies (Abs). aPL Abs are detected by laboratory tests such as lupus anticoagulant (LA), anticardiolipin (aCL) and anti-β2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI) Abs. This article reviews the most current pathophysiological aspects of APS with emphasis in thrombotic and proinflammatory mechanisms mediated by aPL antibodies.

Keywords:

Antiphospholipid syndrome, acquired thrombophilia, pathogenesis, thrombosis.