Von Willebrand factor--two sides and the edge of a coin.
Von Willebrand factor (VWF) has multiple functions in coagulation. It is a clotting protein and its deficiency causes a primary haemostatic bleeding disorder. Excess VWF, particularly high molecular weight multimers can cause thrombosis. There is also a debatable function of protecting factor VIII (FVIII) in circulation with the prevention of development of FVIII inhibitors. This commentary addresses these functions.
Rangarajan
S
S
Haemostasis & Thrombosis Centre, Basingstoke and North Hampshire Foundation Trust, Basingstoke, UK. savita.rangarajan@gstt.nhs.uk
D019774:Blood Coagulation Factor Inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism*; D005169:Factor VIII / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D006487:Hemostasis / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism; D014842:von Willebrand Diseases / Q000378:metabolism*; D014841:von Willebrand Factor / Q000378:metabolism*
D019774:Blood Coagulation Factor Inhibitors; D014841:von Willebrand Factor; D005169:Factor VIII