Vol 9, No 2 (2003)
Research paper
Published online: 2003-03-25
Von Willebrand factor and tissue plasminogen activator as vascular endothelial markers in diabetes type 2
Acta Angiologica 2003;9(2):63-69.
Abstract
Background. Vascular endothelium damage can occur in diabetes. During this process endothelial cells release
substances known as activity markers. The aim of our study was to determine the concentration of von
Willebrand factor (vWf) and tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) as markers of endothelial cell damage in
plasma of diabetics type 2.
Material and methods. The group examined consisted of 60 patients (31 men and 29 women) with diabetes type 2. The mean age was 62 ± 7.9 years, the duration of disease 15 ± 9 years and the mean level of HbA1c 8.76 ± 2.1%. Proliferative retinopathy was observed in 40 patients. All the diabetics were treated with human insulin. The control group consisted of 23 healthy persons aged 48 ± 9 years. The concentration of vWf and t-PA was determined by the ELISA method.
Results. In all type 2 diabetics a significantly higher concentration of von Willebrand factor and tissue plasminogen activator was observed compared with the control group. No differences were noted between diabetics with and without retinopathy. Sex, age, the duration of the diabetes, the concentration of HbA1c and smoking had no significant effect on vWf and t-PA concentrations. In diabetics with coexisting hypertension significantly increased levels of t-PA were noticed.
Conclusion. Increases in vWf and t-PA concentrations indicate vascular endothelial cell damage in type 2 diabetics.
Material and methods. The group examined consisted of 60 patients (31 men and 29 women) with diabetes type 2. The mean age was 62 ± 7.9 years, the duration of disease 15 ± 9 years and the mean level of HbA1c 8.76 ± 2.1%. Proliferative retinopathy was observed in 40 patients. All the diabetics were treated with human insulin. The control group consisted of 23 healthy persons aged 48 ± 9 years. The concentration of vWf and t-PA was determined by the ELISA method.
Results. In all type 2 diabetics a significantly higher concentration of von Willebrand factor and tissue plasminogen activator was observed compared with the control group. No differences were noted between diabetics with and without retinopathy. Sex, age, the duration of the diabetes, the concentration of HbA1c and smoking had no significant effect on vWf and t-PA concentrations. In diabetics with coexisting hypertension significantly increased levels of t-PA were noticed.
Conclusion. Increases in vWf and t-PA concentrations indicate vascular endothelial cell damage in type 2 diabetics.
Keywords: von Willebrand factortissue plasminogen activatordiabetes type 2