Determinants of plasma levels of von Willebrand factor and coagulation factor VIII

Abstract

The research described throughout this thesis aims to gain better understanding of determinants of plasma levels of VWF and FVIII. Because high plasma levels of both proteins are well established risk factors for venous and arterial thrombosis, we also studied effects of these determinants on the risk of thrombosis where the study designs allowed it. Whether high FVIII levels are causative to an increase in the risk of venous thrombosis remains to be determined. The research described here was successful in identifying several determinants of plasma levels of VWF and FVIII, however many new questions were raised. It can safely be assumed that fluid homeostasis and RAS play a role in the regulation of VWF and FVIII levels. The exact routes and mechanisms through which effects on levels are accomplished are not understood yet. Furthermore, fluid homeostasis and RAS probably play a more complex role in coagulation than merely inducing VWF secretion from WPb and thus raising VWF and FVIII levels.