Shear Stress-Induced Activation of von Willebrand Factor and Cardiovascular Pathology

Deciphering the triad of endothelial glycocalyx, von Willebrand Factor, and P-selectin in inflammation-induced coagulation

This review examines the endothelial glycocalyx's role in inflammation and explores its involvement in coagulation. The glycocalyx, composed of proteins and glycosaminoglycans, interacts with von Willebrand Factor and could play a crucial role in anchoring it to the endothelium. In inflammatory conditions, glycocalyx degradation may leave P-selectin as the only attachment point for von Willebrand Factor, potentially leading to uncontrolled release of ultralong von Willebrand Factor in the bulk flow in a shear stress-dependent manner. Identifying specific glycocalyx glycosaminoglycan interactions with von Willebrand Factor and P-selectin can offer insights into unexplored coagulation mechanisms.

Thrombospondin-1 is an endogenous substrate of cereblon responsible for immunomodulatory drug-induced thromboembolism

ABSTRACT

Immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) are key drugs for treating multiple myeloma and myelodysplastic syndrome with chromosome 5q deletion. IMiDs exert their pleiotropic effects through the interaction between cell-specific substrates and cereblon, a substrate receptor of the E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. Thus, identification of cell-specific substrates is important for understanding the effects of IMiDs. IMiDs increase the risk of thromboembolism, which sometimes results in fatal clinical outcomes. In this study, we sought to clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying IMiDs-induced thrombosis. We investigated cereblon substrates in human megakaryocytes using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and found that thrombospondin-1 (THBS-1), which is an inhibitor of a disintegrin-like and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motifs 13, functions as an endogenous substrate in human megakaryocytes. IMiDs inhibited the proteasomal degradation of THBS-1 by impairing the recruitment of cereblon to THBS-1, leading to aberrant accumulation of THBS-1. We observed a significant increase in THBS-1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells as well as larger von Willebrand factor multimers in the plasma of patients with myeloma, who were treated with IMiDs. These results collectively suggest that THBS-1 represents an endogenous substrate of cereblon. This pairing is disrupted by IMiDs, and the aberrant accumulation of THBS-1 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of IMiDs-induced thromboembolism.

Impact of Additional Administration of von Willebrand Factor Concentrates to Thrombocyte Transfusion in Perioperative Bleeding in Cardiac Surgery

Background

Von Willebrand factor (vWF) is an important part of blood coagulation since it binds platelets to each other and to endothelial cells. In traumatic and surgical haemorrhage, both blood cells and plasmatic factors are consumed, leading to consumption coagulopathy and fluid resuscitation. This often results in large amounts of crystalloids and blood products being infused. Additional administration of vWF complex and platelets might mitigate this problem. We hypothesize that administration of vWF concentrate additionally to platelet concentrates reduces blood loss and the amount of blood products (platelets, red blood cells [RBC], fresh frozen plasma [FFP]) administered.

Methods

We conducted a monocentric 6-year retrospective data analysis of cardiac surgery patients. Included were all patients receiving platelet concentrates within 48 h postoperatively. Patients who additionally received vWF concentrates were allocated to the intervention group and all others to the control group. Groups were compared in mixed regression models correcting for known confounders, based on nearest neighbour propensity score matching. Primary endpoints were loss of blood (day one and two) and amount of needed blood products on day one and two (platelets, RBC, FFP). Secondary endpoints were intensive care unit (ICU) and in-hospital length of stay, ICU and in-hospital mortality, and absolute difference of platelet counts before and after treatment.

Results

Of 497 patients analysed, 168 (34%) received vWF concentrates. 121 patients in both groups were considered for nearest neighbour matching. Patients receiving additional vWF were more likely to receive more blood products (RBC, FFP, platelets) in the first 24 h after surgery and had around 200 mL more blood loss at the same time.

Conclusion

In this retrospective analysis, no benefit in additional administration of vWF to platelet concentrates on perioperative blood loss, transfusion requirement (platelets, RBC, FFP), length of stay, and mortality could be found. These findings should be verified in a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial (www.clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT04555785).

Acquired von Willebrand syndrome and post-operative drainage: a comparison of patients with aortic stenosis versus coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVE

Degenerative aortic stenosis and coronary artery disease are considered to be the most prevalent cardiovascular diseases in industrialized countries. This study aims to determine the change over time in von Willebrand factor antigen, von Willebrand factor activity, and factor VIII and where there is a correlation with total post-operative drainage.

METHODS

The single-center retrospective study included 203 consecutive patients (64.5% male), undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery between March 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020 at the University Clinical Center of Serbia in the Clinic for Cardiac Surgery in Belgrade, Serbia. All patients 18 years or older who presented with isolated, hemodynamically significant aortic stenosis were included. The control group consisted of patients who presented with only coronary artery disease.

RESULTS

Between patients with only coronary artery disease and patients with coronary artery diseases and aortic stenosis, there was a statistically significant difference between pre-op and 1-month post-op fibrinogen, factor VIII, von Willebrand factor antigen, and von Willebrand factor (p < 0.001), post-op drainage, with overall lower drainage in coronary artery disease patients, and consistent increase in von Willebrand factor antigen, von Willebrand factor activity, and Factor VIII post-operatively in patients with coronary artery diseases and aortic stenosis.

CONCLUSION

This study has shown that there is a correlation between von Willebrand factor antigen, von Willebrand factor activity and total drainage to the level of statistical significance in aortic stenosis patients and in the overall study population.

Nanoparticles for Thrombus Diagnosis and Therapy: Emerging Trends in Thrombus-theranostics

Cardiovascular disease is one of the chief factors that cause ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, and venous thromboembolism. The elements that speed up thrombosis include nutritional consumption, physical activity, and oxidative stress. Even though the precise etiology and pathophysiology remain difficult topics that primarily rely on traditional medicine. The diagnosis and management of thrombosis are being developed using discrete non-invasive and non-surgical approaches. One of the emerging promising approach is ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging. The advancement of nanomedicines offers concentrated therapy and diagnosis, imparting efficacy and fewer side effects which is more significant than conventional medicine. This study addresses the potential of nanomedicines as theranostic agents for the treatment of thrombosis. In this article, we describe the factors that lead to thrombosis and its consequences, as well as summarize the findings of studies on thrombus formation in preclinical and clinical models and also provide insights on nanoparticles for thrombus imaging and therapy.

Searching for New Biomarkers to Assess COVID-19 Patients: A Pilot Study

During the initial diagnosis of urgent medical conditions, which include acute infectious diseases, it is important to assess the severity of the patient's clinical state as quickly as possible. Unlike individual biochemical or physiological indicators, derived indices make it possible to better characterize a complex syndrome as a set of symptoms, and therefore quickly take a set of adequate measures. Recently, we reported on novel diagnostic indices containing butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity, which is decreased in COVID-19 patients. Also, in these patients, the secretion of von Willebrand factor (vWF) increases, which leads to thrombosis in the microvascular bed. The objective of this study was the determination of the concentration and activity of vWF in patients with COVID-19, and the search for new diagnostic indices. One of the main objectives was to compare the prognostic values of some individual and newly derived indices. Patients with COVID-19 were retrospectively divided into two groups: survivors (n = 77) and deceased (n = 24). According to clinical symptoms and computed tomography (CT) results, the course of disease was predominantly moderate in severity. The first blood sample (first point) was taken upon admission to the hospital, the second sample (second point)-within 4-6 days after admission. Along with the standard spectrum of biochemical indicators, BChE activity (BChEa or BChEb for acetylthiocholin or butyrylthiocholin, respectively), malondialdehyde (MDA), and vWF analysis (its antigen level, AGFW, and its activity, ActWF) were determined and new diagnostic indices were derived. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating curve (AUC), as well as Likelihood ratio (LR) and Odds ratio (OR) were calculated. The level of vWF antigen in the deceased group was 1.5-fold higher than the level in the group of survivors. Indices that include vWF antigen levels are superior to indices using vWF activity. It was found that the index [Urea] × [AGWF] × 1000/(BChEb × [ALB]) had the best discriminatory power to predict COVID-19 mortality (AUC = 0.91 [0.83, 1.00], p < 0.0001; OR = 72.0 [7.5, 689], p = 0.0002). In addition, [Urea] × 1000/(BChEb × [ALB]) was a good predictor of mortality (AUC = 0.95 [0.89, 1.00], p < 0.0001; OR = 31.5 [3.4, 293], p = 0.0024). The index [Urea] × [AGWF] × 1000/(BChEb × [ALB]) was the best predictor of mortality associated with COVID-19 infection, followed by [Urea] × 1000/(BChEb × [ALB]). After validation in a subsequent cohort, these two indices could be recommended for diagnostic laboratories.

Development and validation of a mathematical model for evaluating shear-induced damage of von Willebrand factor

PURPOSE

To develop a mathematical model for predicting shear-induced von Willebrand factor (vWF) function modification which can be used to guide ventricular assist devices (VADs) design, and evaluate the damage of high molecular weight multimers (HMWM)-vWF in VAD patients for reducing clinical complications.

METHODS

Mathematical models were constructed based on three morphological variations (globular vWF, unfolded vWF and degraded vWF) of vWF under shear stress conditions, in which parameters were obtained from previous studies or fitted by experimental data. Different clinical support modes (pediatric vs. adult mode), different VAD operating states (pulsation vs. constant mode) and different clinical VADs (HeartMate II, HeartWare and CentriMag) were utilized to analyze shear-induced damage of HMWM-vWF based on our vWF model. The accuracy and feasibility of the models were evaluated using various experimental and clinical cases, and the biomechanical mechanisms of HMWM-vWF degradation induced by VADs were further explained.

RESULTS

The mathematical model developed in this study predicted VAD-induced HMWM-vWF degradation with high accuracy (correlation with experimental data r2 > 0.99). The numerical results showed that VAD in the pediatric mode resulted in more HMWM-vWF degradation per unit time and per unit flow rate than in the adult mode. However, the total degradation of HMWM-vWF is less in the pediatric mode than in the adult mode because the pediatric mode has fewer times of blood circulation than the adult mode in the same amount of time. The ratio of HMWM-vWF degradation was lower in the pulsation mode than in the constant mode. This is due to the increased flushing of VADs in the pulsation mode, which avoids prolonged stagnation of blood in high shear regions. This study also found that the design feature, rotor size and volume of the VADs, and the superimposed regions of high shear stress and long residence time inside VADs affect the degradation of HMWM-vWF. The axial flow VADs (HeartMate II) showed higher degradation of HMWM-vWF compared to centrifugal VADs (HeartWare and CentriMag). Compared to fully magnetically suspended VADs (CentriMag), hydrodynamic suspended VADs (HeartWare) produced extremely high degradation of HWMW-vWF in its narrow hydrodynamic clearance. Finally, the study used a mathematical model of HMWM-vWF degradation to interpret the clinical statistics from a biomechanical perspective and found that minimizing the rotating speed of VADs within reasonable limits helps to reduce HWMW-vWF degradation. All predicted conclusions are supported by the experimental and clinical data.

CONCLUSION

This study provides a validated mathematical model to assess the shear-induced degradation of HMWM-vWF, which can help to evaluate the damage of HMWM-vWF in patients implanted with VADs for reducing clinical complications, and to guide the optimization of VADs for improving hemocompatibility.

Did angiodysplasia associated with heyde's syndrome disappear spontaneously?: a case report

BACKGROUND

Heyde's syndrome can be easily overlooked or misjudged in clinical practice because it shares common clinical manifestations with multiple diseases as well as limited accuracy of several corresponding examinations for diagnosing Heyde's triad. Moreover, aortic valve replacement is often delayed in these patients due to the contradiction between anticoagulation and hemostasis. Herein, we present a rare case of atypical Heyde's syndrome. The patient's severe intermittent gastrointestinal bleeding was not completely cured even through a local enterectomy. In the absence of direct evidence of acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS) or angiodysplasia, her long-standing gastrointestinal bleeding was finally stopped after receiving transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

CASE PRESENTATION

A 64-year-old female suffered from refractory gastrointestinal bleeding and exertional dyspnoea. A local enterectomy was performed owing to persistent hemorrhage and repeated transfusions; subsequently, histological examination revealed angiodysplasia. Heyde's syndrome was not suspected until 3 years later, at which time the patient started bleeding again and was also found to have severe aortic valve stenosis upon echocardiography. TAVI was consequently performed when the patient was in a relatively stable condition even though the predisposition to bleed, but there was no evidence of angiodysplasia and AVWS during angiography at that time. The patient's above symptoms were significantly relieved after TAVI and followed up for 2 years without any significant ischemic or bleeding events.

CONCLUSIONS

The visible characteristics of angiodysplasia or a shortage of HMWM-vWFs should not be indispensable for the clinical diagnosis of Heyde's syndrome. Enterectomy could be a bridging therapy for aortic valve replacement in patients with severe hemorrhage, and TAVI may be beneficial for moderate to high surgical-risk patients even if they have a potential risk of bleeding.

Turbulence in surgical suction heads as detected by MRI

BACKGROUND

Blood loss is common during surgical procedures, especially in open cardiac surgery. Allogenic blood transfusion is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Blood conservation programs in cardiac surgery recommend re-transfusion of shed blood directly or after processing, as this decreases transfusion rates of allogenic blood. But aspiration of blood from the wound area is often associated with increased hemolysis, due to flow induced forces, mainly through development of turbulence.

METHODS

We evaluated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a qualitative tool for detection of turbulence. MRI is sensitive to flow; this study uses velocity-compensated T1-weighted 3D MRI for turbulence detection in four geometrically different cardiotomy suction heads under comparable flow conditions (0-1250 mL/min).

RESULTS

Our standard control suction head Model A showed pronounced signs of turbulence at all flow rates measured, while turbulence was only detectable in our modified Models 1-3 at higher flow rates (Models 1 and 3) or not at all (Model 2).

CONCLUSIONS

The comparison of flow performance of surgical suction heads with different geometries via acceleration-sensitized 3D MRI revealed significant differences in turbulence development between our standard control Model A and the modified alternatives (Models 1-3). As flow conditions during measurement have been comparable, the specific geometry of the respective suction heads must have been the main factor responsible. The underlying mechanisms and causative factors can only be speculated about, but as other investigations have shown, hemolytic activity is positively associated with degree of turbulence. The turbulence data measured in this study correlate with data from other investigations about hemolysis induced by surgical suction heads. The experimental MRI technique used showed added value for further elucidating the underlying physical phenomena causing blood damage due to non-physiological flow.

A mathematical model for assessing shear induced bleeding risk

PURPOSE

The objective of this study is to develop a bleeding risk model for assessing device-induced bleeding risk in patients supported with blood contact medical devices (BCMDs).

METHODS

The mathematical model for evaluating bleeding risk considers the effects of shear stress on von Willebrand factor (vWF) unfolding, high molecular weight multimers-vWF (HMWM-vWF) degradation, platelet activation and receptor shedding and platelet-vWF binding ability. Functions of the effect of shear stress on the above factors are fitted/employed and solved by the Eulerian transport equation. An axial flow-through Couette device and two clinical VADs which are HeartWare Ventricular Assist Device (HVAD) and HeartMate II (HM II) blood pump were employed to perform the simulation to evaluate platelet receptor shedding (GPIbα and GPIIb/IIIa), loss of HWMW-vWF, platelet-vWF binding ability and bleeding risk for validating the accuracy of our model.

RESULTS

The platelet-vWF binding ability after being subjected to high shear region in the axial flow-through Couette device predicted by our bleeding model was highly consistent with reported experimental data. As indicated by our CFD simulation results in the axial flow-through Couette device, it can find that an increase in shear stress led to a decrease in the adhesion ability of platelets on vWF, while the binding ability of vWF with platelets first increase and then decrease as shear stress elevates gradually beyond a threshold. The factor of exposure time can enhance the effect of shear stress. Additionally, the shear-induced bleeding risk predicted by our model increases with increasing shear stress and exposure time in an axial flow-through Couette device. As indicated by our numerical model, the bleeding risk in HVAD was higher than HMII, which is highly consistent with the meta-analysis based on clinical statistics. Our simulation investigations in these two clinical VADs also found that HVAD caused a higher rate of platelet receptor shedding and lower damage to HWMW-vWF than HeartMate II. The high shear stress generated in the narrow and turbulent regions of both VADs was the underlying cause of device-induced bleeding.

CONCLUSION

In this study, the shear-induced bleeding risk predicted by our bleeding model in axial flow-through Couette device and two clinical VADs is consistent or highly correlated with experimental and clinical findings, which proves the accuracy of our bleeding model. Our bleeding model can be used to aid the development of new BCMDs with improved functional characteristics and biocompatibility, and help to reduce risk of device-induced adverse events in patients.

Differential Rates of Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding and Other Outcomes in Colorectal Cancer Patients With Aortic Stenosis

Background Aortic stenosis (AS) has been established as a precipitating factor in the development of colonic angiodysplasia, resulting in lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB). While the association between AS and LGIB, termed "Heyde syndrome," has been examined extensively, few studies assess the impact of comorbid AS on rates of LGIB in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Our goal is to examine this association.  Methods Patients hospitalized from 2001 to 2013 diagnosed with CRC were identified via ICD-9 codes, further stratified by a diagnosis of AS. Continuous and categorical variables were analyzed by independent sample t-tests and chi-squared analyses respectively. Assessed outcomes included mortality, length of stay (LOS), hospital costs, rates of LGIB, colonic obstruction, colonic perforation, iron-deficiency anemia (IDA), and colectomy. Multivariate analysis via binary logistic regression was utilized to control confounding variables. Results Patients with CRC and AS had higher rates of mortality, lower gastrointestinal bleeding, iron deficiency anemia, and colectomy, while those without AS had higher rates of colonic obstruction. Length of stay and total hospital charges were higher in patients with AS.  Discussion CRC outcomes were worse in patients with AS. This could be due to higher rates of LGIB secondary to the prevalence of angiodysplasia among AS patients. More retrospective studies are required to assess the impact of comorbid AS in patients with CRC.

Biomechanical activation of blood platelets via adhesion to von Willebrand factor studied with mesoscopic simulations

Platelet adhesion and activation are essential initial processes of arterial and microvascular hemostasis, where high hydrodynamic forces from the bloodflow impede coagulation. The process relies on von Willebrand factor (VWF)-a linear multimeric protein of blood plasma plays a pivotal role in mechanochemical regulation of shear-induced platelet aggregation (SIPA). Adhesive interactions between VWF and glycoprotein receptors GPIb are crucial for platelet recruitment under high shear stress in fluid. Recent advances in experimental studies revealed that mechanical tension on the extracellular part of GPIb may trigger a cascade of biochemical reactions in platelets leading to activation of integrins [Formula: see text] (also known as GPIIb/IIIa) and strengthening of the adhesion. The present paper is aimed at investigation of this process by three-dimensional computer simulations of platelet adhesion to surface-grafted VWF multimers in pressure-driven flow of platelet-rich plasma. The simulations demonstrate that GPIb-mediated mechanotransduction is a feasible way of platelet activation and stabilization of platelet aggregates under high shear stress. Quantitative understanding of mechanochemical processes involved in SIPA would potentially promote the discovery of new anti-platelet medication and the development of multiscale numerical models of platelet thrombosis and hemostasis.

Gastrointestinal bleeding during the transcatheter aortic valve replacement perioperative period: A Review

With the aging of the population, the incidence of senile degenerative valvular heart disease is expected to increase. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been used for patients at lower surgical risk with symptomatic severe aortic valve stenosis. Because of the improvements in TAVR technology and increasing experience of the operators, TAVR is regarded as a safe and feasible procedure. Bleeding events during the TAVR perioperative period, especially gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, have been proven to be related to the long-term prognosis and mortality. Elderly patients with valvular heart disease are susceptible to GI bleeding because of their use of antithrombotic drugs, physical damage of coagulation factors, and GI angiodysplasia. Frequent GI bleeding and low levels of preoperative hemoglobin increase the risk of TAVR, especially for elderly patients. Because of these risks, which are easily overlooked, we should focus more attention on the perioperative management of TAVR. Reasonable screening tools, including blood examinations, risk evaluation scales, and endoscopy, are beneficial to the prevention of complications that can occur during the perioperative period. Additionally, medical therapy can safely help patients at high-risk for bleeding patients throughout the perioperative period. This study aimed to characterize the pathology of TAVR patients and discuss treatment strategies for GI bleeding during the perioperative period.

Dissimilarity in coagulation system in adults after Fontan surgery based on thrombin generations

OBJECTIVES

The Fontan procedure is the treatment of choice in congenital cardiac malformations defined as the single ventricle. Fontan patients are at high risk of thromboembolism, but the exact mechanism of this is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate an involvement of thrombin generations and microparticles (MPs) in prothrombotic state in adults with Fontan circulation.

METHODS

This study included hospitalized patients after Fontan procedure and healthy volunteers. We assessed laboratory tests including thrombin generation by calibrated automated thrombography in three variants [platelet-poor plasma (impact of coagulation factors), platelet-rich plasma (PRP) (influence of platelets) and related with MPs]. The technique allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the coagulation system.

RESULTS

The study groups consisted of 81 adult Fontan patients [41 females (50.6%); median age 22 interquartile range [20-27] years] and 54 control subjects. In patients with Fontan circulation, higher values of endogenous thrombin potential and peak values were observed for both platelet-poor plasma (+17% and +33%) and MPs (+29% and 41%) compared to controls (all P < 0.05). Moreover, in the Fontan group, we found a 64.9% shorter lag time and a 70.4% time to peak for MP variant (both P < 0.001). Contrarily, analysis in the PRP showed 17.1% of reduced endogenous thrombin potential in Fontan. Furthermore, there were no differences in thrombin synthesis in PRP in Fontan patients receiving aspirin or those with thrombocytopaenia (all P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study for the first time showed that thrombin generation associated with MPs may be an important contributor to the prothrombotic state in the Fontan population.

Polyphosphate Activates von Willebrand Factor Interaction with Glycoprotein Ib in the Absence of Factor VIII In Vitro

Polyphosphate (polyP), a phosphate polymer released by activated platelets, may modulate various stages of hemostasis by binding to blood proteins. In this context, we previously reported that polyP binds to the von Willebrand factor (VWF). One of the most significant functions of VWF is to bind to and protect the blood circulating Factor VIII (FVIII). Therefore, here, we study the role of polyP in the VWF-FVIII complex in vitro and suggest its biological significance. Surface plasmon resonance and electrophoretic mobility assays indicated that polyP binds dynamically to VWF only in the absence of FVIII. Using the VWF Ristocetin Cofactor assay, the most accepted method for studying VWF in platelet adhesion, we found that polyP activates this role of VWF only at low levels of FVIII, such as in plasmas with chemically depleted FVIII and plasmas from severe hemophilia A patients. Moreover, we demonstrated that FVIII competes with polyP in the activation of VWF. Finally, polyP also increases the binding of VWF to platelets in samples from patients with type 2 and type 3 von Willebrand disease. We propose that polyP may be used in designing new therapies to activate VWF when FVIII cannot be used.

Endothelial dysfunction markers and immune response indices in cosmonauts' blood after long-duration space flights

Space flight factors are known to cause a malfunction in the human immune system and lead to damage to blood vessels. The hemostatic function of endothelium during space missions and its interaction with human immunity has not been determined so far. In this work, we investigated the markers of endothelial activation and damage (plasma concentrations of soluble thrombomodulin fraction (sTM), von Willebrand factor (vWF), highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)), as well as the level of D-dimer and compared them to the immunological parameters characterizing the state of human humoral and cellular immunity. The immune status of long-duration ISS crewmembers was assessed by whole-blood testing, and comprehensive postflight immune assessment included the analysis of leukocyte distribution. Flow cytometry was applied to determine the absolute counts and the percentage of lymphocyte subsets: B cells (CD19⁺), T cells (CD3⁺, CD3⁺CD4⁺, CD3⁺CD8⁺), NK cells (CD3^-CD16⁺CD56⁺, CD11b⁺CD56⁺), and activated subsets (CD3⁺CD25⁺ and CD3⁺HLA-DR⁺). The in vitro basal cytokine production was investigated in whole blood cell culture. The cytokines IFN-gamma, IL-1-beta, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-18, and TNF-alpha were measured in plasma and the 24-h supernatants by a sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A significant increase in the plasma levels of vWF and hs-CRP and a decrease in the concentration of sTM after spaceflights were detected. Divergent changes in the parameters characterizing the state of the immune system were observed. We propose that the changes revealed may lead to an increase in the procoagulant activity of blood plasma, suppression of protein C activation and thrombin inhibition, as well as to an increase in the adhesive-aggregate potential of platelets, especially in case of changes in the rheological characteristics of blood flow during re-adaptation to ground conditions. We also speculate that the immune system might play an important role in vessel damage during long-duration missions.

Patient specific approach to analysis of shear-induced platelet activation in haemodialysis arteriovenous fistula

Shear-induced platelet activation (SIPAct) is an important mechanism of thrombosis initiation under high blood flow. This mechanism relies on the interaction of platelets with the von Willebrand factor (VWF) capable of unfolding under high shear stress. High shear stress occurs in the arteriovenous fistula (AVF) commonly used for haemodialysis. A novel patient-specific approach for the modelling of SIPAct in the AVF was proposed. This enabled us to estimate the SIPAct level via computational fluid dynamics. The suggested approach was applied for the SIPAct analysis in AVF geometries reconstructed from medical images. The approach facilitates the determination of the SIPAct level dependence on both biomechanical (AVF flow rate) and biochemical factors (VWF multimer size). It was found that the dependence of the SIPAct level on the AVF flow rate can be approximated by a power law. The critical flow rate was a decreasing function of the VWF multimer size. Moreover, the critical AVF flow rate highly depended on patient-specific factors, e.g., the vessel geometry. This indicates that the approach may be adopted to elucidate patient-specific thrombosis risk factors in haemodialysis patients.

Complementary Sets of Autoantibodies Induced by SARS-CoV-2, Adenovirus and Bacterial Antigens Cross-React with Human Blood Protein Antigens in COVID-19 Coagulopathies

COVID-19 patients often develop coagulopathies including microclotting, thrombotic strokes or thrombocytopenia. Autoantibodies are present against blood-related proteins including cardiolipin (CL), serum albumin (SA), platelet factor 4 (PF4), beta 2 glycoprotein 1 (β2GPI), phosphodiesterases (PDE), and coagulation factors such as Factor II, IX, X and von Willebrand factor (vWF). Different combinations of autoantibodies associate with different coagulopathies. Previous research revealed similarities between proteins with blood clotting functions and SARS-CoV-2 proteins, adenovirus, and bacterial proteins associated with moderate-to-severe COVID-19 infections. This study investigated whether polyclonal antibodies (mainly goat and rabbit) against these viruses and bacteria recognize human blood-related proteins. Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and adenovirus recognized vWF, PDE and PF4 and SARS-CoV-2 antibodies also recognized additional antigens. Most bacterial antibodies tested (group A streptococci [GAS], staphylococci, Escherichia coli [E. coli], Klebsiella pneumoniae, Clostridia, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis) cross-reacted with CL and PF4. while GAS antibodies also bound to F2, Factor VIII, Factor IX, and vWF, and E. coli antibodies to PDE. All cross-reactive interactions involved antibody-antigen binding constants smaller than 100 nM. Since most COVID-19 coagulopathy patients display autoantibodies against vWF, PDE and PF4 along with CL, combinations of viral and bacterial infections appear to be necessary to initiate their autoimmune coagulopathies.

Haemostatic differences between SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive and negative patients at the time of hospital admission

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is associated with thrombosis. We conducted a cohort study of consecutive patients, suspected of SARS-CoV-2 infection presented to the emergency department. We investigated haemostatic differences between SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive and negative patients, with dedicated coagulation analysis. The 519 included patients had a median age of 66 years, and 52.5% of the patients were male. Twenty-six percent of the patients were PCR-positive for SARS-CoV-2.PCR positive patients had increased levels of fibrinogen and (active) von Willebrand Factor (VWF) and decreased levels of protein C and α2-macroglobulin compared to the PCR negative patients. In addition, we found acquired activated protein C resistance in PCR positive patients. Furthermore, we found that elevated levels of factor VIII and VWF and decreased levels of ADAMTS-13 were associated with an increased incidence of thrombosis in PCR positive patients. In conclusion, we found that PCR positive patients had a pronounced prothrombotic phenotype, mainly due to an increase of endothelial activation upon admission to the hospital. These findings show that coagulation tests may be considered useful to discriminate severe cases of COVID-19 at risk for thrombosis.

ADAMTS13, VWF, and Endotoxin Are Interrelated and Associated with the Severity of Liver Cirrhosis via Hypercoagulability

ADAMTS13 specifically cleaves the multimeric von Willebrand factor (VWF), and an imbalance between ADAMTS13 activity (ADAMTS13:AC) and VWF antigen (VWF:Ag) levels is associated with the severity of liver cirrhosis (LC). However, the reason for this imbalance in patients with LC is unknown. This study investigated the relationship among ADAMTS13:AC, VWF:Ag, and endotoxin (Et) levels in patients with LC. ADAMTS13:AC and VWF:Ag levels were determined using ELISA, whereas Et levels were estimated using a chromogenic substrate assay. The levels of ADAMTS13 inhibitor (ADAMTS13:INH) were evaluated by measuring the extent that heat-inactivated patient’s plasma reduces the ADAMTS13:AC of the control. The status (degraded, normal, or unusually large [UL]) of the VWF multimer (VWFM) was determined through vertical agarose gel electrophoresis. ADAMTS13:AC, VWF:Ag, and Et levels decreased, increased, and increased, respectively, with the severity of LC. Patients with cirrhosis with high Et levels had lower and higher ADAMTS13:AC and VWF:Ag levels, respectively, than those with low Et levels. Patients with cirrhosis with detectable ADAMTS13:INH had higher Et levels than those with undetectable ADAMTS13:INH. Patients whose VWFM was either normal or UL had higher Et levels than those with degraded VWFM. In conclusion, ADAMTS13, VWF, and Et may be interrelated and associated with the severity of LC via hypercoagulability.

Exposure of Von Willebrand Factor Cleavage Site in A1A2A3-Fragment under Extreme Hydrodynamic Shear

Von Willebrand Factor (vWf) is a giant multimeric extracellular blood plasma involved in hemostasis. In this work we present multi-scale simulations of its three-domains fragment A1A2A3. These three domains are essential for the functional regulation of vWf. Namely the A2 domain hosts the site where the protease ADAMTS13 cleavages the multimeric vWf allowing for its length control that prevents thrombotic conditions. The exposure of the cleavage site follows the elongation/unfolding of the domain that is caused by an increased shear stress in blood. By deploying Lattice Boltzmann molecular dynamics simulations based on the OPEP coarse-grained model for proteins, we investigated at molecular level the unfolding of the A2 domain under the action of a perturbing shear flow. We described the structural steps of this unfolding that mainly concerns the β-strand structures of the domain, and we compared the process occurring under shear with that produced by the action of a directional pulling force, a typical condition of single molecule experiments. We observe, that under the action of shear flow, the competition among the elongational and rotational components of the fluid field leads to a complex behaviour of the domain, where elongated structures can be followed by partially collapsed melted globule structures with a very different degree of exposure of the cleavage site. Our simulations pose the base for the development of a multi-scale in-silico description of vWf dynamics and functionality in physiological conditions, including high resolution details for molecular relevant events, e.g., the binding to platelets and collagen during coagulation or thrombosis.

Inflammatory Mediators of Platelet Activation: Focus on Atherosclerosis and COVID-19

Background: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases are characterized by a dysregulated inflammatory and thrombotic state, leading to devastating complications with increased morbidity and mortality rates. Summary: In this review article, we present the available evidence regarding the impact of inflammation on platelet activation in atherosclerosis. Key messages: In the context of a dysfunctional vascular endothelium, structural alterations by means of endothelial glycocalyx thinning or functional modifications through impaired NO bioavailability and increased levels of von Willebrand factor result in platelet activation. Moreover, neutrophil-derived mediators, as well as neutrophil extracellular traps formation, have been implicated in the process of platelet activation and platelet-leukocyte aggregation. The role of pro-inflammatory cytokines is also critical since their receptors are also situated in platelets while TNF-α has also been found to induce inflammatory, metabolic, and bone marrow changes. Additionally, important progress has been made towards novel concepts of the interaction between inflammation and platelet activation, such as the toll-like receptors, myeloperoxidase, and platelet factor-4. The accumulating evidence is especially important in the era of the coronavirus disease-19 pandemic, characterized by an excessive inflammatory burden leading to thrombotic complications, partially mediated by platelet activation. Lastly, recent advances in anti-inflammatory therapies point towards an anti-thrombotic effect secondary to diminished platelet activation.

A 'smart' aptamer-functionalized continuous label-free cell catch-transport-release system

Label-free cell sorting devices are of great significance for biomedical research and clinical therapeutics. However, current platforms for label-free cell sorting cannot achieve continuity and selectivity simultaneously, resulting in complex steps and limited reliability. Here, an immunoaffinity-based cell catch-transport-release thermo-chemo-mechanical coupling hydrogel (iCatch) device is reported. It contains a temperature-responsive hydrogel that can generate spatial movement synergically with the reversible binding of affinity handle modified. The functionalized hydrogel is embedded inside a biphasic microfluidic platform to enable cell transportation between the flows. The cell sorting capability and biocompatibility of the iCatch device were validated with CCRF-CEM cells as a proof-of-concept, and CCRF-CEM-specific aptamers with thermo-responsive affinity as well as a hydrogel with temperature-dependent volume were employed accordingly. A cell catching efficiency of ∼40% and a recovery rate of ∼70% were achieved. The iCatch device provides a high-throughput (∼900 cells mm-1 s-1) platform for cell sorting and is ultimately valuable for downstream biomedical applications.

Von Willebrand Factor in Health and Disease

Abstract—

Von Willebrand factor (vWF), the key component of hemostasis, is synthesized in endothelial cells and megakaryocytes and released into the blood as high molecular weight multimeric glycoproteins weighing up to 20 million Daltons. Blood plasma metalloprotease ADAMTS13 cleaves ultra-large vWF multimers to smaller multimeric and oligomeric molecules. The vWF molecules attach to the sites of damage at the surface of arterioles and capillaries and unfold under conditions of shear stress. On the unfolded vWF molecule, the regions interacting with receptors on the platelet membrane are exposed. After binding to the vWF filaments, platelets are activated; platelets circulating in the vessels are additionally attached to them, leading to thrombus formation, blocking of microvessels, and cessation of bleeding. This review describes the history of the discovery of vWF, presents data on the mechanisms of vWF secretion and its structure, and characterizes the processes of vWF metabolism in the body under normal and pathological conditions.

Blood Plasma Serotonin and von Willebrand Factor as Biomarkers of Unstable Angina Progression Toward Myocardial Infarction

Aim: To investigate the serotonin and von Willebrand factor (vWF) concentrations among unstable angina (UA) patients without and with progression toward myocardial infarction (outcome) and to assess the utility of both as prognostic markers of UA complications. Materials and methods: In observational cohort study, we recruited 103 patients with ischemic heart disease (the median age 65.0 (59.0-69.0) years, 45 females (43.7%)). After full set of investigations including high sensitive Troponin I test and 28-day follow-up period, we defined three groups: Group 1 - stable angina patients (n=22) as control, Group 2 - UA patients without outcome (n=71), Group 3 - UA patients with outcome (n=10). We analyzed the blood plasma serotonin content by the ion-exchange chromatography with measurement of serotonin on fluorescence spectrophotometer. VWF concentration was determined by ELISA. We compared the concentrations of observed parameters among the groups with the Kruskal-Wallis test (with post-hoc Mann-Whitney test with Bonferroni-Holm correction). We assessed binary logistic models, receiver operating characteristic curves, calculated sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), and positive likelihood ratio (LR+) for each indicator. Results: We registered elevation in serotonin concentration and decline in vWF concentration in Group 3 in comparison with Group 2 (22.670 (20.687-24.927) μg/ml vs 11.980 (8.120-15.000) μg/ml, p< 0.001, and 0.117 (0.109-0.120) rel.units/ml vs 0.134 (0.127-0.143) rel.units/ml, p < 0.001) and Group 1 (12.340 (10.052-13.619) μg/ml, p < 0.001, and 0.137 (0.127-0.156) rel.units/ml, p < 0.001), respectively. No significant differences in serotonin and vWF concentrations between Group 1 and Group 2 were detected (p=0.81 and p=0.36, respectively). The probability of outcome increased significantly (by 60.7% and 59.7%, LR+ 19.0 [6.0, 60.0] and 18.0 [3.9, 80.0]) if serotonin concentration was above 21.575 μg/ml (Se=80.0%, Sp=95.8%, AUC=0.975) and vWF concentration was below 0.114 rel.units/ml (Se=50.0%, Sp=97.2%, AUC=0.973), respectively. Conclusions: Serotonin and vWF as biomarkers are demonstrated promising results for rule-in the patients with risk of short-term UA progression toward myocardial infarction.