Mutations and Common Polymorphisms in ADAMTS13 and vWF Genes Responsible for Increasing Risk of Thrombosis

Background and Objective: ADAMTS13 (A Disintegrin-like and Metalloproteases with Thrombospondin type-1 repeats, member-13) plays an important role in vascular hemostasis by cleaving the von Willebrand Factor (vWF). ADAMTS13 and vWF are involved in the development of ischemic heart disease. In this review paper, we examine the effects of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) and mutations in the vWF and ADAMTS13 genes and their contribution to the development of thrombosis. Methods: Relevant English-language literature was searched and retrieved from PubMed search engine (2001-2017). The following keywords were used: “ADAMTS13”, “vWF”, “Polymorphism”, and Thrombosis”. Results: SNPs in the ADAMTS13 and vWF genes cause genetic variability and affect the plasma levels of these genes. Moreover, environmental (such as age, smoking, hypertension) and genetic factors (like ABO blood groups) play a role in the development of different polymorphisms in ADAMTS13 and vWF genes. Conclusion: The increased or decreased activity of these two genes as a result of genetic changes and the development of thrombosis are a challenging and contradictory matter, and the study of genetic variability in ADAMTS13 and vWF genes may be helpful in the diagnosis of thrombotic disorders.