Platelet-activating factor

platelet-activating factor

Platelet-activating factor is a naturally produced signaling molecule in the body that can strongly activate blood platelets and influence immune cells. When it is released, it promotes platelet aggregation to help form clots and stops bleeding after an injury, so it plays a normal role in wound repair. It also drives inflammation and increases the permeability of blood vessels, which helps immune cells reach injured or infected tissue but can also lead to swelling and tissue stress when overproduced. Because of these powerful actions, platelet-activating factor is involved in both helpful and harmful processes. It contributes to normal healing but can worsen conditions like asthma, sepsis, certain cardiovascular problems, and inflammatory eye conditions when its activity becomes excessive. Researchers study it to learn how clotting and inflammation are linked and to find treatments that reduce harmful effects without blocking useful repair. Some drugs and compounds can alter its production or block its receptors, and such approaches are being explored to treat diseases where inflammation and clotting go awry. Understanding this molecule matters because it sits at an important crossroads between bleeding control, clot formation, and inflammatory responses that affect many health conditions.