Question

2. Describe the clinical significance of a Protein C or S deficiency in the coagulation cascade?

Answer 1

Protein S and Protein C are both natural substances in the blood that help to keep the blood from clotting.
They act like natural anticoagulants or natural blood thinners. The function of protein S is to inactivate factor Va and factor VIIIa. This function  is carried out directly by protein C and protein S serves as a cofactor.

If you are deficient in one or both of these proteins, you are at an increased risk of developing dangerous blood clots, especially for women during pregnancy. You can also acquire Proteins S deficiency from liver or kidney disease, HIV infection, or if you do not have enough vitamin K.