Coagulation Cascade (via Calcium Chelation) (None)

The coagulation cascade is a complex series of enzymatic reactions that result in the formation of a stable blood clot. Calcium ions (Ca^{2+}) are essential cofactors at multiple steps within both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Chelating agents bind free calcium ions in plasma, reducing their availability for participation in coagulation reactions. This inhibition disrupts multiple points within both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways, preventing assembly/activation of enzyme complexes on platelet surfaces and impairing conversion processes such as prothrombin to thrombin. Common laboratory anticoagulants like EDTA or citrate act through this mechanism. While not typically used therapeutically due to systemic risks, endogenous proteins like matrix Gla protein (MGP) use vitamin K-dependent carboxylation to bind calcium physiologically.

Calcium chelation, preventing activation of clotting factors