prof. dr. J.A. (Ton) Lisman

Liver diseases and hemostasis

The research line led by Prof Dr. Ton Lisman focuses on clinically oriented questions on the intersection of hematology and hepatology. Combining expertise in basal biochemistry, animal models, research in clinical specimens, and clinical studies, the group excels in true translational research.

Current projects include: 

1) Hemostatic abnormalities in patients with liver disease

Since many components of the hemostatic system are synthesized in the liver, patients with liver failure frequently have profound alterations in their hemostatic system. Although routine tests of hemostasis suggest patients with liver failure to have a hemostasis-related bleeding tendency, increasing evidence from us and others suggest that there patients are in a hemostatic rebalance. We have studied the hemostatic status of patients with chronic and acute liver failure and patients undergoing liver transplantation extensively. Furthermore, clinical research focuses on prevention or treatment of bleeding and thrombosis in patients with liver disease and during liver transplantation.

2) Extrahemostatic functions of platelets in damage and repair of the liver

When the liver becomes damaged, intrahepatic activation of the coagulation system may occur. The formation of intrahepatic microthrombi, as well as signalling events generated by coagulation proteases appear to contribute to progression of the disease. Antihemostatic treatment may therefore result in a more favourable disease progression. Current antithrombotic strategies may not be applicable in patients with liver failure as they may result in bleeding complications. Repair of damaged liver tissue is critically dependent on the presence of blood platelets and fibrin(ogen). Using animal models, in vitro studies, and observational studies in humans, we aim to understand how platelets and fibrin(ogen) orchestrate liver regeneration in molecular detail.