Association of ADAMTS13 Activity with Gender in Normal Adult Cohort

• Published in: Blood 2008-11, Vol.112 (11), p.4554-4554
• Main Authors: Adamidou, Despoina, Rouka, Erasmia, Verrou, Evgenia, Koutsaliaris, Giannis, Lazaridou, Anna, Kyriakou, Despoina
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0006-4971; 1528-0020
• DOI: 10.1182/blood.V112.11.4554.4554

Background: the metalloprotease ADAMTS13 ( A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease with ThromboSpondin type 1 motif 13) cleaves von Willebrand within nascent platelet rich thrombi and its functional deficiency is associated with acute idiopathic or congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). This disorder occurs more frequently in women especially during late pregnancy and postpartum period. However there is little information, some times controversial, on the protease behavior among healthy individuals in terms of gender and other demographic factors. Materials and methods: samples from 92 healthy Greek blood donors of childbearing age (17–50) were submitted. Fifty males, 42 females were tested (median age 38/33 respectively). The ADAMTS13 activity was measured by fluorescent technique (FRETS normal range >65%). Von Willebrand Factor Antigen and Activity as well as FVIII Activity were estimated by automated latex enhanced immunoassay. Whole blood count was determined concurrently. ABO phenotyping was performed. Demographic data (body mass index, blood pressure, parity) and social habits (cigarette smoking, alcohol intake ) were recorded. Pregnancy, preaclampsia, personal or family history of miscarriage, bleeding/thromboembolism, hypertension, use of oral contraception pills or any other medication were defined as exclusion criteria. All data were analyzed by Mann Whitney U-test, Kruskal Wallis statistics and Spearman's correlations. All individuals signed informed consent before sampling. Aim: we conducted a prospective study in order to measure ADAMTS13 activity in healthy population and identify possible factors that may influence enzyme's range. Results: statistical significance was obtained when we examined ADAMTS13 activity in terms of gender (138,42% versus 109,12 %-mean values-for males and females respectively, p