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von Willebrand Factor Inhibition Improves Endothelial Function in Patients with Stable Angina

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Abstract

ALX-0081 is a novel nano-antibody inhibiting von Willebrand factor (vWF). We evaluated whether direct inhibition of vWF by ALX-0081 improves endothelial function. Stable patients (pts, n = 55) with single vessel disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were randomized to ALX-0081 (n = 38) or placebo (n = 17). vWF inhibition was assessed by vWF antigen level (vWF:Ag) and activity by ristocetin test (vWF:RiCo). Endothelial function was assessed before (BL), 6 h and 24 h after PCI by: (a) endothelial peripheral arterial tonometry (Endoscore); (b) endothelial microparticles (EMPs) by flow cytometry. vWF:Ag and vWF:RiCo decreased within 1 h from ALX-0081. In the placebo group, no significant Endoscore changes occurred from BL to 24 h. In ALX-0081 group, Endoscore increased from BL to 24 h (p = 0.014). A decrease in EMPs was observed after ALX-0081 (p < 0.01), while no changes occurred in placebo pts. An inhibition of vWF with ALX-0081 significantly improves peripheral endothelial function.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cardiovascular Center Aalst OLV Clinic, Moorselbaan 164, B-9300 Aalst, Belgium

    Olivier Muller, Jozef Bartunek, Michalis Hamilos, Catalina Trana Berza, Fabio Mangiacapra, Argyrios Ntalianis, William Wijns, Bernard De Bruyne, Guy R. Heyndrickx, Marc Vanderheyden & Emanuele Barbato

  2. Ablynx NV, Zwijnaarde, Belgium

    Kristof Vercruysse, Christian Duby & Josefin-Beate Holz

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  1. Olivier Muller
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  2. Jozef Bartunek
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Correspondence to Emanuele Barbato.

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Muller, O., Bartunek, J., Hamilos, M. et al. von Willebrand Factor Inhibition Improves Endothelial Function in Patients with Stable Angina. J. of Cardiovasc. Trans. Res. 6, 364–370 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12265-012-9422-3

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