Protein C

The anticoagulant pathway of protein C, as an adjunct to TFPI (tissue factor pathway inhibitor) and antithrombin, is another important inhibitor in the coagulation cascade. The basic composition includes protein C and its cofactor protein S, both of which are vitamin K-dependent hemostatic proteins, which together hydrolyze and inactivate coagulation accelerators (factors Va and Ⅷa). Decreased or lack of protein C, protein S or inactivation of accelerator function (factor V Leiden) increases the risk of thrombosis.