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Antithrombin

Meaning

Antithrombin is a crucial glycoprotein that functions as the body’s principal endogenous anticoagulant, circulating in the plasma to actively regulate the coagulation cascade and prevent pathological clot formation. It is classified clinically as a serine protease inhibitor, or serpin, whose primary physiological role is to neutralize the activity of key clotting enzymes, thereby maintaining the necessary fluidity and patency of the vascular system. Adequate antithrombin levels are essential for mitigating the risk of thromboembolic events.