A Thr789Ala variant in the von Willebrand Factor (vWF) gene is associated with increased vWF plasma concentrations and might therefore affect the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in the general population. Patients with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk for premature atherosclerosis and are characterized by alterations of the coagulation system. However, it is not known whether the Thr789Ala variant in the vWF gene contributes to the increased CHD risk in patients with type 2 diabetes. We therefore investigated the potential relationship between the Thr789Ala variant in the vWF gene and the occurrence of CHD in 356 patients with type 2 diabetes, either with (DM+/CHD+, n = 204) or without evidence for CHD (DM+/CHD-, n = 152). In addition, two control groups without type 2 diabetes, with (DM-/CHD+, n = 22) or without CHD (DM-/CHD-, n = 100), were investigated. Individuals with the vWF Thr789Ala variant have significantly higher von Willebrand factor plasma concentrations (p < 0.001). In addition, ristocetin co-factor was significantly increased in vWF Thr789Ala variant carriers (p < 0.05). Ristocetin co-factor levels and collagen binding capacity were also increased in individuals affected with either type 2 diabetes, CHD or both (DM+/CHD+, DM+/CHD-, DM-/CHD+) as compared to healthy controls (DM-/CHD-) (p < 0.001). However, we did not find an association between the vWF Thr789Ala variant and the occurrence of CHD in patient with type 2 diabetes (p = 0.34). In conclusion, although the Thr789Ala vWF gene variant is associated with increased plasma concentrations of vWF, ristocetin co factor levels and collagen binding capacity in patients with type 2 diabetes and CHD, a direct effect of this variant on the occurrence of CHD in patients with type 2 diabetes, could not be detected.

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