Factor VIII (FVIII) is an essential clotting factor. A deficiency of FVIII causes Hemophilia A, a bleeding disorder.

Genetics

The gene for Factor VIII is located on the X chromosome (Xq28). The gene for factor VIII presents an interesting primary structure, as another gene is embedded in one of its introns.^[1].

Physiology

FVIII is a glycoprotein procofactor synthesized and released into the bloodstream by the endothelium. In the circulating blood, it is mainly bound to von Willebrand factor to form a stable complex. Upon activation by thrombin, (Factor IIa), it dissociates from the complex to interact with Factor IXa the coagulation cascade. It is a cofactor to Factor IXa in the activation of Factor X, which, in turn, with its cofactor Factor Va, activates more thrombin. Thrombin cleaves fibrinogen into fibrin which polymerizes and crosslinks (using Factor XIII) into a blood clot.

No longer protected by vWF, activated FVIII is proteolytically inactivated in the process (most prominently by activated Protein C and Factor IXa) and quickly cleared from the blood stream.

Factor VIII is synthesized predominantly in the vascular endothelium and is not affected by liver disease. In fact, levels usually are elevated in such instances.^[2]

Therapeutic use

FVIII concentrated from donated blood plasma (Aafact), or alternatively recombinant FVIII can be given to hemophiliacs to restore hemostasis. Thus, FVIII is also known as Anti-hemophilic factor.

The transfer of a plasma byproduct into the blood stream of a patient with hemophilia often led to the transmission of diseases such as HIV and hepatitis B and C before purification methods were improved. Antibody formation to Factor VIII can also be a major concern for patients receiving therapy against bleeding; the incidence of these inhibitors is dependent of various factors, including the Factor VIII product itself.^[3]

In the early 1990s, pharmaceutical companies began to produce recombinant synthesized factor products, which now prevent nearly all forms of disease transmission during replacement therapy. In particular, some pharmaceutical companies such as Bayer sparked controversy by continuing to sell contaminated factor VIII after new heat-treated versions were available.^[4]

See Also

• Ryan White

References

Further reading

External links

• The Coagulation Factor VIII Protein

de:Antihämophiles Globulin A es:Factor VIII de coagulación fr:Facteur VIII pl:Czynnik VIII pt:Fator VIII