Exogenous Factors Affecting Thrombosis and Hemostasis 3rd International Conference, EFATH, Sydney, August 2005: Proceedings. Special Topic Issue: Pathophysiology of Haemostasis and Thrombosis 2005, Vol. 34, No. 4-5

Blood circulation is vital for our survival and any imbalance in the circulatory system or in hemostasis may either lead to death or severe debility. Thus, there is a great demand for therapeutic agents for cardiovascular and hematological disorders. This publication highlights recent research on the biochemistry, molecular biology, structure, function and mechanism of action of exogenous factors affecting thrombosis and hemostasis. These exogenous factors, evolved over millions of years, include numerous components of snake venoms, which can either activate or inhibit platelets or coagulation factors, and antihemostatic compounds from the salvia of blood-feeding arthropods. This special issue consolidates the efforts in this area and gives new insights into exogenous factors and their development as therapeutic agents. Hematologists, biochemists, molecular biologists, protein chemists, enzymologists and drug developers will appreciate the comprehensive overview of this important field of research provided by these proceedings.