Role of Clot Formation and Plasminogen Activation in Lower Urinary Tract Pathologies

Hemostasis, a critical physiological process, is essential for stopping bleeding and initiating tissue repair after injury. It involves a tightly coordinated interplay between coagulation (blood clotting) and fibrinolysis (clot breakdown). Dysregulation of hemostasis can result in a wide range of diseases, such as infections, cancers, metabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative disorders. In the urinary tract, disruption of homeostasis and induction of hemostasis by diseases or foreign bodies (such as urinary catheters) can lead to various problems, such as infections, inflammation, and structural damage. Furthermore, hemostatic proteins have been associated with severe cancer progression. Thus, highlighting the roles of clot formation and plasminogen activation in urinary tract pathologies is important. This review details the pathogenesis of the urinary tract and urothelial carcinoma, as well as the roles of clot formation and plasminogen activation during disease onset and progression.