Von Willebrand Factor Multimers and the Relaxation Response: A One-Year Study

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Psychoneuroimmunology
• Hemostasis and Thrombosis

Background:

• Mental stress is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, impacting inflammation, endothelial function, and thrombotic balance.
• Von Willebrand factor (vWF), a key hemostatic and inflammatory regulator, is released by activated endothelium.
• The Relaxation Response (RR) has shown potential in mitigating stress-induced inflammation and improving endothelial function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of the Relaxation Response (RR) on serum levels of von Willebrand factor (vWF) in patients with ischemic heart disease.
• To assess changes in vWF multimers and plasma total carbonyl content following RR practice.

Main Methods:

• A one-year follow-up study involving 90 patients with ischemic heart disease and 30 healthy controls.
• Measurement of vWF multimers and total protein carbonyl content before and after RR sessions at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months.
• Utilized RR as an intervention to counteract psychological stress.

Main Results:

• A significant decrease in large vWF multimers was observed during RR sessions.
• Plasma total carbonyl content also decreased following RR practice.
• These changes suggest a rapid modulation of vWF related to psychological activity.

Conclusions:

• Serum vWF levels can be rapidly influenced by psychological activity, shifting towards anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic states.
• The Relaxation Response may promote relaxation and potentially alter the quaternary structure of vWF.
• Findings highlight the interplay between psychological state and cardiovascular markers like vWF.