scholarly journals von Willebrand factor regulation of blood vessel formation

Blood ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (2) ◽  
pp. 132-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna M. Randi ◽  
Koval E. Smith ◽  
Giancarlo Castaman

AbstractSeveral important physiological processes, from permeability to inflammation to hemostasis, take place at the vessel wall and are regulated by endothelial cells (ECs). Thus, proteins that have been identified as regulators of one process are increasingly found to be involved in other vascular functions. Such is the case for von Willebrand factor (VWF), a large glycoprotein best known for its critical role in hemostasis. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that lack of VWF causes enhanced vascularization, both constitutively and following ischemia. This evidence is supported by studies on blood outgrowth EC (BOEC) from patients with lack of VWF synthesis (type 3 von Willebrand disease [VWD]). The molecular pathways are likely to involve VWF binding partners, such as integrin αvβ3, and components of Weibel-Palade bodies, such as angiopoietin-2 and galectin-3, whose storage is regulated by VWF; these converge on the master regulator of angiogenesis and endothelial homeostasis, vascular endothelial growth factor signaling. Recent studies suggest that the roles of VWF may be tissue specific. The ability of VWF to regulate angiogenesis has clinical implications for a subset of VWD patients with severe, intractable gastrointestinal bleeding resulting from vascular malformations. In this article, we review the evidence showing that VWF is involved in blood vessel formation, discuss the role of VWF high-molecular-weight multimers in regulating angiogenesis, and review the value of studies on BOEC in developing a precision medicine approach to validate novel treatments for angiodysplasia in congenital VWD and acquired von Willebrand syndrome.

Blood ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. SCI-43-SCI-43
Author(s):  
Anna M Randi

Abstract von Willebrand factor (VWF) is best known for its key role in haemostasis, capturing platelets at sites of endothelial damage and acting as carrier for coagulation Factor VIII. The importance of VWF in haemostasis is illustrated by the fact that its deficiency and/or abnormality causes von Willebrand disease (VWD), the most frequent inherited bleeding disorder, whilst raised levels of VWF are associated with an increased risk of arterial thrombosis. VWF is synthesized in megakaryocytes and in endothelial cells from most, but not all, vascular districts. Besides the well characterized binding to Factor VIII and with platelet receptors, VWF can interact with a plethora of proteins, from extracellular matrix components to growth factors and even DNA, suggesting that VWF may influence multiple processes. Moreover, VWF is required for the formation of Weibel Palade Bodies (WPB), endothelial storage organelles which contain many vascular regulators. It is therefore likely that this large protein, critically located at sites of vascular injury, is able to influence several vascular functions. Indeed over the last two decades novel functions for VWF in the vasculature have been identified, including the ability to modulate blood vessel formation. Studies in a mouse models of severe VWF deficiency have shown constitutively enhanced vascular networks in selected tissues, and enhanced angiogenesis in Matrigel and in response to ischemia in the brain. Moreover, studies on circulating endothelial progenitors from patients with type 3 VWD and lack of VWF synthesis have shown enhanced in vitro angiogenesis. The ability of VWF to regulate angiogenesis has clinical implications for a subset of VWD patients with severe, intractable gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding due to vascular malformations, called angiodysplasia. These lesions, found in patients with congenital VWD and acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS), can cause severe gastrointestinal bleeding, often unresponsive to conventional replacement therapy. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms through which VWF modulates blood vessel formation is likely to have direct implications for the treatment of these patients. In vitro and in vivo studies indicate that VWF can regulate angiogenesis through multiple pathways. Strong candidates for this role are VWF binding partners, such as integrin αvβ3, and components of Weibel Palade bodies (WPB), such as Angiopoietin-2 and Galectin-3, whose storage is regulated by VWF. Several of these pathways converge on the master regulator of angiogenesis, also essential for maintaining endothelial homeostasis, namely the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway. Multiple regulators may act in concert, their relevance differing in congenital VWD vs acquired AVWS. Interestingly, recent studies in mouse models suggest that the roles of VWF may be tissue-specific. If confirmed, this will have important implications for the translational and clinical implications of these findings for patient with VWD. In summary, the finding that VWF is able to regulate blood vessel formation has opened a new area of research for this incredibly interesting and versatile protein, one which has profound implications for the treatment of patients with VWD and AVWS. Disclosures Randi: LFB: Other: Invited to one advisory board meeting 2018, Patents & Royalties, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Shire: Honoraria.


2008 ◽  
Vol 99 (02) ◽  
pp. 271-278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olivier D. Christophe ◽  
Beatrijs D. Oortwijn ◽  
Peter J. Lenting ◽  
Cécile V. Denis

SummaryThe life cycle of von Willebrand factor (VWF) comprises a number of distinct steps, ranging from the controlled expression of theVWF gene in endothelial cells and megakaryocytes to the removal of VWF from the circulation. The various aspects of VWF clearance have been the objects of intense research in the last few years, stimulated by observations thatVWF clearance is a relatively common component of the pathogenesis of type 1 von Willebrand disease (VWD). Moreover, improving the survival of VWF is now considered as a viable therapeutic strategy to prolong the half-life of factor VIII in order to optimise treatment of haemophilia A. The present review aims to provide an overview of recent findings with regard to the molecular basis of VWF clearance. A number of parameters have been identified that influence VWF clearance, including its glycosylation profile and a number of VWF missense mutations. In addition, in-vivo studies have been used to identify cells that contribute to the catabolism of VWF, providing a starting point for the identification of receptors that mediate the cellular uptake ofVWF.Finally, we discuss recent data describing chemically modification of VWF as an approach to prolong the half-life of the VWF/FVIII complex.


2013 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 78-85
Author(s):  
Kseniya Ivanovna Pshenichnaya ◽  
Yegor Viktorovich Lyugayev ◽  
Olga Georgiyevna Golovina

Deficiencies of content in blood and activity of von Willebrand factor can be inborn or acquired with diseases of different nature. Acquired deficiencies of von Willebrand factor or acquired von Willebrand syndrome in children have been described in several clinical studies. This research paper contains data on clinical manifestation and dynamics of haemorrhagic syndrome in 30 children between 13 months and 18 years of age with acquired von Willebrand factor, suffering from different types of pathology. Similarly, clinical manifestations and dynamics of angiostaxis have been studied in 33 children with von Willebrand disease. It has been determined that clinical manifestations of microcirculatory angiostaxis are the same for children from both groups; however, children with acquired von Willebrand syndrome showed dominating limited numbers of haemorrhagical symptoms that were shorter in duration and less intense. Besides, hematomic component of haemorrhagic syndrome was absent. Eventually, accompanied by positive dynamic of the underlying disease, relapses of haemorrhagic syndrome cease, which does not happen in case of the patients with von Willebrand disease.


1998 ◽  
Vol 80 (09) ◽  
pp. 495-498 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ria Boertjes ◽  
Jan van Mourik ◽  
Perry van Genderen

SummaryMeasurement of the von Willebrand factor (vWF) propeptide, also known as von Willebrand antigen II, has been suggested to be helpful in the discrimination of congenital von Willebrand disease type I from type 2 and in assessing the extent of activation of the endothelium. We performed a quantitative analysis of mature vWF and its propeptide in plasma in 8 patients with acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AvWS) and in 20 normal individuals. Mature vWF levels were significantly lower in AvWS as compared with normal individuals (13.4 ± 3.5 vs 35.6 ± 3.3 nM, p <0.001). In contrast, propeptide levels were significantly higher in AvWS (11.4 ± 1.1 vs 4.7 ± 0.2 nM, p < 0.001), probably reflecting a compensatory increase in vWF synthesis or increased perturbation of the endothelium in AvWS. After treatment with DDAVP, propeptide and mature vWF levels rose 5-fold in AvWS, whereas propeptide levels were not altered by the infusion of a vWF concentrate or treatment with high dose intravenous immunoglobulins, indicating that plasma propeptide levels are a reliable reflection of vWF synthesis. Measurement of propeptide levels may provide additional information in AvWS as to whether decreased levels of mature vWF in the circulation are due to a decrease in synthesis or due to an accelerated removal of vWF from the circulation.


2018 ◽  
Vol 68 (03) ◽  
pp. 200-211
Author(s):  
Mate Petricevic ◽  
Jadranka Knezevic ◽  
Gordan Samoukovic ◽  
Bozena Bradaric ◽  
Ivica Safradin ◽  
...  

AbstractThe incidence of acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AvWS) in patients with heart disease is commonly perceived as rare. However, its occurrence is underestimated and underdiagnosed, potentially leading to inadequate treatment resulting in increased morbidity and mortality.In patients with cardiac disease, AvWS frequently occurs in patients with structural heart disease and in those undergoing mechanical circulatory support (MCS).The clinical manifestation of an AvWS is usually characterized by apparent or occult gastrointestinal (GI) or mucocutaneous hemorrhage frequently accompanied by signs of anemia and/or increased bleeding during surgical procedures. The primary change is loss of high-molecular weight von Willebrand factor multimers (HMWM). Whereas the loss of HMWM in patients with structural heart disease is caused by increased HMWM cleavage by von Willebrand factor (vWF)-cleaving protease, ADAMTS13, AvWS in MCS patients is predominantly a result of a high shear stress coupled with mechanical destruction of vWF itself.This manuscript provides a comprehensive review of the evidence regarding both diagnosis and contemporary management of AVWS in patients with heart disease.


2014 ◽  
Vol 34 (03) ◽  
pp. 215-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Schneppenheim ◽  
U. Budde

SummaryThe function of von Willebrand factor (VWF), a huge multimeric protein and a key factor in platelet dependent primary haemostasis, is regulated by its specific protease ADAMTS13. The ADAMTS13 dependent degradation of VWF to its proteolytic fragments can be visualized as a characteristic so-called triplet structure of individual VWF oligomers by multimer analysis. Lack of VWF high molecular weight multimers (VWF-HMWM) or their pathologically enhanced degradation under - lies a particular type of von Willebrand disease, VWD type 2A with a significant bleeding tendency, and may also be observed in acquired von Willebrand syndrome due to cardiovascular disease. In these conditions multimer analysis is an obligatory and powerful tool for diagnosis of VWD. The opposite condition, the persistence of ultralarge VWF (UL-VWF) multimers may cause the microangiopathic life-threatening disorder thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). During the course of active TTP, UL-VWF is consumed in the hyaline thrombi formed in the microvasculature which will ultimately result in the loss of UL-VWF and VWF-HMWM. Therefore, VWF multimer analysis is not a valid tool to diagnose TTP in the active phase of disease but may be helpful for the diagnosis of TTP patients in remission.


Blood ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 92 (8) ◽  
pp. 2707-2711 ◽  
Author(s):  
Augusto B. Federici ◽  
Federica Stabile ◽  
Giancarlo Castaman ◽  
Maria Teresa Canciani ◽  
Pier Mannuccio Mannucci

Abstract Patients with monoclonal gammopathies of uncertain significance (MGUS) may develop an acquired bleeding disorder similar to congenital von Willebrand disease, called acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AvWS). In these patients, measures to improve hemostasis are required to prevent or treat bleeding episodes. We diagnosed 10 patients with MGUS and AvWS: 8 had IgGκ (3) or λ (5) MGUS and 2 IgM-κ MGUS. Three therapeutic approaches were compared in them: (1) desmopressin (DDAVP), (2) factor VIII/von Willebrand factor (FVIII/vWF) concentrate, and (3) high-dose (1 g/kg/d for 2 days) intravenous Ig (IVIg). In patients with IgG-MGUS, DDAVP and FVIII/vWF concentrate increased factor VIII and von Willebrand factor in plasma, but only transiently. IVIg determined a more sustained improvement of the laboratory abnormalities and prevented bleeding during surgery (short-term therapy). In addition to the standard 2-day infusion protocol, a long-term IVIg therapy was performed in 2 patients with IgG-MGUS: repeated (every 21 days) single infusions of IVIg did improve laboratory abnormalities and stopped chronic gastrointestinal bleeding. On the other hand, IVIg failed to correct laboratories abnormalities in patients with IgM-MGUS. These comparative data obtained in a relative large and homogeneous group of patients with AvWS and MGUS confirm that DDAVP and FVIII/vWF concentrates improve the bleeding time (BT) and FVIII/vWF measurements only transiently, whereas IVIg provides a sustained treatment of AvWS associated with IgG-MGUS, but not with IgM-MGUS. © 1998 by The American Society of Hematology.


2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 496-501 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joerg Kellermair ◽  
Helmut W. Ott ◽  
Michael Spannagl ◽  
Josef Tomasits ◽  
Juergen Kammler ◽  
...  

Acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS) associated with severe aortic stenosis (AS) has been frequently subclassified into a subtype 2A based on the deficiency of high-molecular-weight (HMW) multimers as it is seen in inherited von Willebrand disease (VWD) type 2A. However, the multimeric phenotype of VWD type 2A does not only include an HMW deficiency but also a decrease in intermediate-molecular-weight (IMW) multimers and an abnormal inner triplet band pattern. These additional characteristics have not been evaluated in AVWS associated with severe AS. Therefore, we recruited N = 31 consecutive patients with severe AS and performed a high-resolution Western blot with densitometrical band quantification to characterize the von Willebrand factor (VWF) multimeric structure and reevaluate the AVWS subtype classification. Study patients showed an isolated HMW VWF multimer deficiency without additional abnormalities of the IMW portions and the inner triplet structure in 65%. In conclusion, the multimeric pattern of AVWS associated with severe AS does neither resemble that seen in AVWS type 2A nor that seen in inherited VWD type 2A. Therefore, a subclassification into a type 2A should not be used.


Blood ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 92 (8) ◽  
pp. 2707-2711
Author(s):  
Augusto B. Federici ◽  
Federica Stabile ◽  
Giancarlo Castaman ◽  
Maria Teresa Canciani ◽  
Pier Mannuccio Mannucci

Patients with monoclonal gammopathies of uncertain significance (MGUS) may develop an acquired bleeding disorder similar to congenital von Willebrand disease, called acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AvWS). In these patients, measures to improve hemostasis are required to prevent or treat bleeding episodes. We diagnosed 10 patients with MGUS and AvWS: 8 had IgGκ (3) or λ (5) MGUS and 2 IgM-κ MGUS. Three therapeutic approaches were compared in them: (1) desmopressin (DDAVP), (2) factor VIII/von Willebrand factor (FVIII/vWF) concentrate, and (3) high-dose (1 g/kg/d for 2 days) intravenous Ig (IVIg). In patients with IgG-MGUS, DDAVP and FVIII/vWF concentrate increased factor VIII and von Willebrand factor in plasma, but only transiently. IVIg determined a more sustained improvement of the laboratory abnormalities and prevented bleeding during surgery (short-term therapy). In addition to the standard 2-day infusion protocol, a long-term IVIg therapy was performed in 2 patients with IgG-MGUS: repeated (every 21 days) single infusions of IVIg did improve laboratory abnormalities and stopped chronic gastrointestinal bleeding. On the other hand, IVIg failed to correct laboratories abnormalities in patients with IgM-MGUS. These comparative data obtained in a relative large and homogeneous group of patients with AvWS and MGUS confirm that DDAVP and FVIII/vWF concentrates improve the bleeding time (BT) and FVIII/vWF measurements only transiently, whereas IVIg provides a sustained treatment of AvWS associated with IgG-MGUS, but not with IgM-MGUS. © 1998 by The American Society of Hematology.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document