THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AUTOIMMUNE THYROIDITIS AND VON WILLEBRAND FACTOR AND ITS ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNCTION
Keywords:
autoimmune thyroiditis, von Willebrand factor, endothelial dysfunction, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, cardiovascular diseasesAbstract
Introduction: Autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) is one of the most common endocrine disorders, often leading to hypothyroidism. The disease has a significant prevalence and most frequently affects women. Despite significant advances in understanding the pathogenesis of AIT, unresolved issues remain regarding the mechanisms of disease development and its impact on other body systems, including the cardiovascular system. An important aspect is the assessment of the hemostatic system in patients with AIT, particularly the level of von Willebrand factor (vWF), which plays a key role in platelet adhesion to damaged endothelial surfaces and the stabilization of factor VIII. Von Willebrand factor is a marker of endothelial dysfunction, which in turn is an early predictor of cardiovascular diseases. Changes in vWF levels may indicate the presence of inflammatory processes and disturbances in the hemostatic system, making it an important object of study in AIT.
Objective: To assess the levels of von Willebrand factor in patients with different phases of AIT and investigate its role in the development of endothelial dysfunction.
Material and methods: The study included 113 patients with AIT and 94 healthy individuals as a control group. The levels of von Willebrand factor were determined using immunological methods. Data analysis was performed to identify changes in von Willebrand factor levels depending on the phase of the disease.
Results: In patients with euthyroidism, the level of von Willebrand factor (105.40±23.44%) was similar to the control group (106.74±24.85%). Subclinical hypothyroidism showed a moderate decrease in von Willebrand factor levels to 93.75±26.80%, indicating initial changes in the hemostasis system. Manifest hypothyroidism was accompanied by a significant decrease in von Willebrand factor levels to 40.38±7.09%, indicating pronounced hemostatic disturbances. In hyperthyroidism, von Willebrand factor levels sharply increased to 172.11±15.94%, which was associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic complications.
Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of monitoring von Willebrand factor levels in patients with AIT for timely diagnosis and correction of hemostatic disturbances. Regular observation and treatment adjustments can improve the prognosis and quality of life for patients.
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