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Published on: January 25, 2019
von Willebrand factor in diabetic retinopathy
E A Abayomi1, E Miller, R C Paton
1Department of Haematology, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe.
The Central African Journal of Medicine
|July 1, 1996
Summary
Elevated von Willebrand factor (vWF) in diabetic retinopathy is of the plasma type, not endothelial injury. This finding helps understand the mechanisms of diabetic microangiopathy.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Vascular Biology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Diabetic microangiopathy is a complication of diabetes mellitus.
- Elevated von Willebrand factor (vWF) is observed in diabetic retinopathy.
- The specific type and origin of elevated vWF in this condition require clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the qualitative nature of elevated von Willebrand factor (vWF) levels in patients with diabetic retinopathy.
- To differentiate between endothelial and plasma types of vWF in diabetic microangiopathy.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled study was conducted.
- Participants included insulin-dependent diabetic patients with retinopathy and a matched control group.
- A modified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to analyze vWF types.
Main Results:
- Patients with diabetic retinopathy had significantly higher vWF levels (mean 217 u/dL) compared to controls (mean 8 u/dL).
- vWF in both diabetic patients and controls was identified as the plasma type.
- No evidence suggested acute vascular endothelial injury as the cause of elevated vWF.
Conclusions:
- Elevated vWF in diabetic retinopathy is confirmed to be of the plasma type.
- The findings suggest that elevated vWF in diabetic retinopathy does not stem from acute vascular endothelial damage.
- Further research is needed to understand the precise mechanisms contributing to elevated plasma vWF in diabetic microangiopathy.
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