PLASMINOGEN ACTIVATOR INHIBITOR 1 (PAI - 1) AS A POTENTIAL DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC TARGET

The plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) is the main inhibitor of tissue plasminogen activator and urokinase type plasminogen activator in the blood. Besides the key regulatory role in fibrinolysis, plasmin and its activators and inhibitors are responsible for the processes of extracellular matrix turnover and remodeling, cellular adhesion and migration, thus they participate in many pathophysiological processes such as thrombosis, fibrosis, atherosclerosis, cancer spread, and other. The measurement of PAI-1 expression and its levels is suggested for a risk factor assessment in certain diseases. Also, PAI-1 is being considered a potential therapeutic target that could modify disease development and progression. The aim of this work is to outline significant findings regarding PAI-1 application in diagnostics, risk factor assessment, and pathogenetic treatment of different diseases. Acta Medica Medianae 2018;57(2):106-112.