The VWF propeptide is synthesized as part of a pro-VWF protein and is subsequently cleaved, stored and secreted in an equi-molar ratio with mature VWF.² The level of VWF propeptide in the circulation can be used as a marker of VWF synthesis.³ In individuals with low VWF synthesis, the propeptide level is similarly decreased yielding a propeptide:VWF ratio near 1.0. In individuals with normal levels of VWF synthesis and decreased survival of VWF in circulation, an increased propeptide:VWF ratio is observed.^1,3

Clinically, it is important to recognize this enhanced clearance phenotype because the increased clearance of VWF can reduce the efficacy of desmopressin treatment in these patients.^3,4,5 The propeptide:VWF ratio has also been used in the diagnosis of Acquired von Willebrand Syndrome (AVWS) where the propeptide level is usually normal or increased and the VWF level is reduced causing an increased propeptide:VWF ratio.^1,6,7

The LIFECODES VWF & Propeptide Assay is a quantitative solid phase ELISA for the measurement of von Willebrand Factor (VWF) and VWF propeptide in plasma.

 LIFECODES VWF & Propetide Assay offers the following benefits:

• Established methodology to classify Type 1 VWD clearance mutations (Type 1C)
• Provide VWF antigen and propeptide results in the same run
• Fluorescent endpoint allows for minimal sample volume

¹LIFECODES VWF & Propeptide Assay for in vitro diagnostics use [package insert], Waukesha, WI; Hologic Gen-Probe GTI Diagnostics, Inc., 2010
²Fay PJ, Kawai Y, Wagner DD, Ginsburg D, Bontron D, Ohlsson-Wilhelm BM, Chavin SI, Abraham GN, Handin RI, Orkin SH, Montgomery RR, Marder VJ. “Propolypeptide of von Willebrand factor circulates in blood and is identical to von Willebrand antigen II.” Science 1986, 232: 995.
³Haberichter SL, Balistreri M, Christopherson P, Morateck P, Gavazova S, Bellissimo DB, Manco-Johnson MJ, Cox-Gill J, Motgomery, RR. “Assay of the von Willebrand factor (VWF) propeptide to identify patients with type 1 von Willebrand disease with decreased VWF survival.” Blood 2006, 108: 3344-3351.
⁴Casonato A, Pontara E, Sartorello F, et al. “Reduced von Willebrand factor survival in type Vicenza con Willebrand disease.” Blood 2002, 99: 180-184.
⁵Sztukowska M, Gallinaro L,Cattini MG,Pontara E,Sartorello F, Daidone V, Padrini R, Pagnan A, Casonato A. “Von Willebrand factor propeptide makes it easy to identify the shorter Von Willebrand factor survival in patients with type 1 and type Vicenza von Willebrand disease.” British Journal of Haematology 2008, 143: 107–114.
⁶van Genderen PJ, Boertjes RC, van Mourik JA. “Quantitative analysis of von Willebrand factor and its propeptide in plasma in acquired von Willebrand syndrome.” Thromb Haemost 1998, 80: 495-498.
⁷Scott JP, Vokac E, Foster PA, Kassay K, Montgomery RR. “The von Willebrand factor propolypeptide (vW AgII) as a marker of acquired von Willebrand syndrome.” Blood 1993, 82: 150a. 12-2-1993.

LIFECODES VWF & Propeptide Assay is CE marked for IVD use.

LIFECODES VWF & Propeptide Assay is for Research Use Only in Japan.

For additional availability in other countries please contact your local sales representative or distributor.

Technical Bulletins are now available on the Downloads Tab