Antihemophilic globulin

Antihemophilic globulin (also known as Factor VIII) is a blood clotting factor that is essential for the normal clotting of blood. It is a protein that is produced in the liver and released into the bloodstream. Deficiency of this factor results in hemophilia A, a bleeding disorder that is inherited in an X-linked recessive manner.

Function

Antihemophilic globulin plays a crucial role in the coagulation cascade, a series of reactions that occur in the body to stop bleeding. It acts as a cofactor for factor IX in the activation of factor X. Once factor X is activated, it goes on to activate thrombin, which then converts fibrinogen into fibrin, forming a blood clot.

Hemophilia A

Hemophilia A is a disorder that results from a deficiency of antihemophilic globulin. It is the most common type of hemophilia, affecting about 1 in 5,000 to 10,000 males worldwide. Symptoms of hemophilia A include prolonged bleeding, easy bruising, and joint pain and swelling. Treatment typically involves replacement therapy with factor VIII.

History

Antihemophilic globulin was first identified in the 1950s by researchers who were studying the clotting process. It was named "antihemophilic globulin" because it was found to be absent in people with hemophilia.

See also

• Hemophilia
• Coagulation
• Blood clotting factors
• Factor IX
• Factor X
• Thrombin
• Fibrinogen
• Fibrin