Endothelial activation markers soluble E-selectin and von Willebrand factor in primary hyperparathyroidism

The aim of the study was to investigate the possible alteration of endothelial activity and its reversibility, by the measurement of von Willebrand factor (vWF) and soluble E-selectin (sES) in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), before and after successful parathyroidectomy. Twenty-two patients with confirmed PHPT were prospectively enrolled in the study. Sixteen sex- and age-matched healthy volunteers were used as the control group. The baseline levels of both vWF (146.1 ± 29.1 vs. 118.2 ± 26.3 U/dL, p=0.004) and sES (47.1 ± 19.7 vs. 34.2 ± 13.2 ng/mL, p=0.029) were higher in the patients with PHPT, while at the 6-month follow-up, vWF decreased significantly (120.4 ± 27.3 U/dL, p=0.004) and sES was normal (41.2 ± 21.1 ng/mL, p=NS). No correlation (p=NS) was found between any of the baseline biochemical parameters. In conclusion, some markers of endothelial activation may be higher in patients with PHPT with respect to controls and the decrease of vWF after parathyroidectomy should be considered as a biochemical parameter of improved endothelial function.