New York, June 05: Scientists claim to have finally solved the bloodcurdling mystery, a key breakthrough which has implications for the treatment of bleeding disorders.
A team at Harvard University has in fact uncovered the fundamental feedback mechanism that the body uses to regulate the clotting of blood, by applying cutting-edge techniques in single-molecule manipulation, the 'Science' journal reported
in its latest edition.
"The human body has an incredible ability to heal from life's scrapes and bruises. A central aspect of this response to damage is the ability to bring bleeding to end, a process
known as hemostasis. Yet regulating hemostasis is a complex balancing act," lead researcher Wesley P Wong said.
According to the scientists, too much hemostatic activity can lead to an excess of blood clots, resulting in a potentially deadly condition known as thrombosis. And, if too
little hemostatic activity occurs in the body, a person may bleed to death.
To achieve the proper balance, the body relies on a largely mechanical feedback system that relies on miniscule forces applied by the circulation system on a molecular "force
sensor" known as the A2 domain of the blood clotting protein von Willebrand factor.
Bureau Report
First Published: Friday, June 05, 2009, 11:10