Abstract: A method of detecting Factor VIII level in a subject, particularly in a subject in need of treatment with at least one Factor Xa inhibitor. The method comprises (a) selecting at least one subject in need of treatment with at least one Factor Xa inhibitor; and (b) detecting Factor VIII level in a sample obtained from the at least one subject with the aim to determine an appropriate dosage of the at least one Factor Xa inhibitor. Preferably, the method comprises a further step of administering at least one Factor Xa inhibitor to the subject.

Abstract: A method of detecting Factor VIII level in a subject, particularly in a subject in need of treatment with at least one Factor Xa inhibitor. The method comprises (a) selecting at least one subject in need of treatment with at least one Factor Xa inhibitor; and (b) detecting Factor VIII level in a sample obtained from the at least one subject with the aim to determine an appropriate dosage of the at least one Factor Xa inhibitor. Preferably, the method comprises a further step of administering at least one Factor Xa inhibitor to the subject.

Abstract: A method for screening for negative side effects of a sex steroid compound or composition in a subject, by carrying out an assay on the subject or on a sample derived from the subject determining whether an increase of the compound or composition on the level of an acute phase reactant or a metabolic derivative thereof has occurred since applying the compound or composition to the subject, the acute phase reactant being selected from the group consisting of positive Acute Phase Reactants (ARPs) with the exclusion of ceruloplasmin and coagulation/thrombosis associated factors. An increase in the level of the acute phase reactant being indicative of negative side effects. A sex steroid compound or composition characterized by a lower increase in APR level than a third generation oral contraceptive, as determined in a manner according to the invention is also provided; the compound or composition not being a second generation oral contraceptive.

Abstract: Blood clot formation is the key event in myocardial infarction. Besides increased coagulation, failure in blood clot lysis can induce undesired coronary thrombosis. Plasmin is essential for degradation of fibrin clots. Tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) is the serine protease that converts plasminogen into plasmin. The association of the Alu insertion/deletion polymorphism in intron h of the t-pA gene to the risk of myocardial infarction was evaluated. Subjects with a documented history of myocardial infarction (n=162) and controls (n=258) were drawn from the Rotterdam Study, a population-based cohort study of 7983 subjects of 55 years or older. Allele frequencies were 0.54 for the insertion allele (t-PA Alu-h I) and 0.46 for the deletion allele, and were in Hardy Weinberg equilibrium. Among subjects that were homozygous for the insertion (n=138) were more than twice as many subjects with myocardial infarction compared to those homozygous (n=75) for the deletion (relative risk of 2.04, (95% CI 1.03-4.

Abstract: The invention relates to Tetranectin, a new protein isolated from blood. Its structure comprises four polypeptide chains having the formula shown in the attached drawing.Tetranectin plays a role in the hemostatic system and, therefore, may be used as an agent for regulation of hemostasis.Further, the invention relates to a process for preparing Tetranectin in which Tetranectin is isolated, e.g. from blood or blood fractions, cells or genetically engineered organisms.Finally the invention relates to antiserum or antibodies against Tetranectin, to immunological detection and assay methods wherein said antiserum or antibodies are used as immunological reagent, and to pharmaceutical compositions containing Tetranectin or antibodies against Tetranectin.

Abstract: A protein called PA binding protein has been isolated which binds specifically and reversibly to tissue plasminogen activator. The protein is characterized by a molecular mass of about 100,000 daltons, and electrophoretic mobility in agarose at pH 8.6 equal to that of plasma .beta.-globulins and an isoelectric point of 6.5 to 7.0. The protein is thermostable up to at least 56.degree. C. and is cleared from the circulation with a half life on the order of days.

Abstract: The invention relates to Tetranectin, a new protein isolated from blood. Its structure comprises four polypeptide chains having the formula shown in the attached drawing.Tetranectin plays a role in the hemostatic system and, therefore, may be used as an agent for regulation of hemostasis.Further, the invention relates to a process for preparing Tetranectin in which Tetranectin is isolated e.g. from blood or blood fractions, cells or genetically engineered organisms.Finally the invention relates to antiserum or antibodies against Tetranectin, to immunological detection and assay methods wherein said antiserum or antibodies are used as immunological reagent, and to pharmaceutical compositions containing Tetranectin or antibodies against Tetranectin.