Abstract
The formation of a fibrin clot matrix plays a critical role in promoting hemostasis
and wound healing. Fibrin dynamics can become disadvantageous in the formation of
aberrant thrombus development. Structural characteristics of clots, such as fiber
diameter, clot density, stiffness, or permeability, can determine overall clot integrity
and functional characteristics that have implications on coagulation and fibrinolysis.
This review examines known factors that contribute to changes in clot structure and
the presence of structural clot changes in various disease states. These insights
provide valuable information in forming therapeutic strategies for disease states
where alterations in clot structure are observed. Additionally, the implications of
structural changes in clot networks on bleeding and thrombus development in terms
of disease states and clinical outcomes are also examined in this review.
Keywords
fibrin - clot structure - atomic force microscopy - fibrinolysis - thrombosis
