Factor VII purified as previously described, was found to consist of two polypeptide chains joined by disulfide bridges. We now report the isolation and 200,000-fold purification of a single chain form of Factor VII. This was accomplished by protecting the molecule against proteolysis by including benzamidine during the entire purification. The purification was essentially as previously reporte...

Factor VII coagulant activity (FVIIc) is a potent risk factor for heart disease. The Northwick Park Heart Study (NPHS) found that elevated levels of FVIIc are associated with increased risk of fatal IHD, particularly in men over the age of 55 years and this association was stronger than that for plasma cholesterol (Meade et al. 1986). Subsequent studies have confirmed this association (Meade et...

Factor VII deficiency is a rare congenital blood disorder. Its clinical features are rather variable and ranges from epistaxis to massive intracranial haemorrhage. Treatment involves replacement therapy, which constitutes use of fresh frozen plasma, prothrombin complex concentrates or recombinant activated factor VII. Although it is a rare entity, one still needs to consider it as a probable di...