Plasminogen Information and Courses from MediaLab, Inc.
These are the MediaLab courses that cover Plasminogen and links to relevant pages within the course.
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| Lp(a) Lipoprotein (a) is a modified version of LDL containing a unique protein, apolipoprotein (a). It was discovered in 1963 and is well-associated with vascular disease. Do not confuse apolipoprotein (a) with apolipoprotein A that is found on high density lipoprotein particles. Lipoprotein (a) is abbreviated as Lp(a). Lp(a) is an LDL particle whose ApoB molecule has formed a disulfide bond with another protein called Apo(a), see figure. Apo(a) is a protein very similar in structure to plasminogen. Numerous retrospective case control studies and prospective studies have shown Lp(a) to be an independent risk factor for vascular disease. This means that Lp(a) levels alone (not in conjunction with LDL, or patient risk factors) can predict cardiovascular risk. Lp(a) has been called the most atherogenic lipoprotein. Serum concentrations of Lp(a) are related to genetic factors; drugs and diet changes do not typically lower Lp(a) as they do LDL. | View Page |
| The term that describes the process by which fibrin strands are broken down, then removed from an established clot is: | View Page |
| The Fibrinolytic System Fibrin strands woven into the clot structure are cleaved into soluble fibrin fragments, and then removed by macrophages. The action of fibrinolysis also serves to restore blood flow into the area that had been sealed off, helping to promote further healing. Fibrinolysis is mediated by a proteolytic enzyme called plasmin. Plasminogen is the inactive precursor form of plasmin that is found in plasma. Plasmin takes on fibrinolytic properties after activation, digesting both fibrin and fibrinogen. Inhibitors act to control the process, serving as a check and balance system for fibrinolytic activities. | View Page |