fibrinogen

• fibrinogen is a vital glycoprotein produced by the liver that plays a central role in blood clot formation. it circulates in the plasma as a soluble protein and is converted by thrombin into insoluble fibrin strands, which weave into a mesh to stabilize blood clots. fibrinogen is also involved in inflammation, wound healing, and acts as a binding agent for platelets.

  • chemical properties

    • molecular weight: ~340 kDa
    • structure: composed of three pairs of polypeptide chains (Aα, Bβ, and γ)
    • synthesis site: liver
    • plasma concentration: normally 2–4 g/L in healthy individuals
    • chemical formula: complex protein; not represented by a simple formula

  • usefulness in medicine

    • fibrinogen is essential for the final step in the coagulation cascade—forming the fibrin clot.
    • levels are measured to assess bleeding disorders, liver disease, inflammation, and cardiovascular risk.
    • elevated fibrinogen is a marker of systemic inflammation and linked to heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
    • low fibrinogen (hypofibrinogenemia) can result in poor clot formation and excessive bleeding.
    • used in clinical settings as fibrinogen concentrate or cryoprecipitate to treat patients with bleeding complications or massive hemorrhage.

  • antibacterial and antimicrobial activity

    • fibrinogen contributes to host defense by promoting clot formation that limits pathogen spread.
    • fibrin can trap bacteria at the site of infection and aid in immune cell recruitment.
    • certain pathogens interact with fibrinogen to evade the immune system, making it relevant in host-pathogen interactions.
    • research highlights:
      • bacteria:
        • staphylococcus aureus research link
        • streptococcus pyogenes research link

• research links

  • fibrinogen and blood coagulation
  • fibrinogen and inflammation
  • fibrinogen and cardiovascular disease