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Investigating von Willebrand Factor Pathophysiology Using a Flow Chamber Model of von Willebrand Factor-platelet String Formation
Published on: August 14, 2017
Sequential changes in von Willebrand factor and soluble thrombomodulin in acute ischemic stroke
E Nomura1, T Kohriyama, K Kozuka
1Department of Neurology, Suiseikai Kajikawa Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan.
Summary
This study tracked changes in von Willebrand factor (vWf) and soluble thrombomodulin (sTM) in acute ischemic stroke patients. vWf increased post-stroke, while sTM rose later, suggesting distinct roles in recovery and inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Hematology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Acute ischemic stroke is a leading cause of disability.
- Understanding the roles of endothelial markers like von Willebrand factor (vWf) and soluble thrombomodulin (sTM) is crucial for stroke management.
- White blood cell (WBC) counts are indicators of inflammation in stroke.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sequential changes in plasma vWf activities and serum sTM concentrations in acute ischemic stroke patients.
- To compare these changes with white blood cell (WBC) counts.
- To elucidate the distinct roles of vWf and sTM in the pathophysiology of acute ischemic stroke.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 43 acute ischemic stroke patients was enrolled within 48 hours of symptom onset.
- Plasma vWf activities, serum sTM concentrations, and WBC counts were measured at the acute stage, and at 1 and 6 months post-admission.
- Time-course analysis was employed to track biomarker dynamics.
Main Results:
- Plasma vWf activities showed a marked increase 1 month after stroke onset.
- Serum sTM concentrations were low acutely, increasing significantly by 6 months post-stroke.
- WBC counts, elevated during the acute phase, decreased significantly at 1 and 6 months.
Conclusions:
- Elevated vWf levels at 1 month may indicate ongoing endothelial dysfunction or repair and platelet activation.
- Decreased sTM in the acute phase might result from down-regulation of sTM synthesis due to the acute inflammatory response.
- vWf and sTM exhibit distinct temporal patterns and roles in the post-acute ischemic stroke period.
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