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The protein C (PC) system has proven to be a crucial cascade in systemic inflammatory and coagulopathic disorders such as severe sepsis and, more recently, in severe burns. We aimed to conflate our recent systemic findings with further investigations in the local tissue effects of a severe burn injury on the expression of PC and its main receptor endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR). Of the 86 patients enrolled in our recent study, 34 consented to biopsies of both normal and burn edge tissue. These were examined histologically and immunostained for PC, EPCR, and CD68. The burn samples expressed lower PC (p = 0.0027) and higher EPCR (p = 0.0253) than the normal samples in a histological severity-dependent manner. There was also a negative association between PC expression and CD68 positive macrophage infiltration (τb = −0.214, p = 0.020), which was expectedly higher in burn edge samples (p &lt, 0.0005). Interestingly, while there were no correlations between tissue and plasma PC or EPCR, local PC expression was also prognostic of our previously established outcome of a patient requiring increased medical support (OR 0.217 (95%CI 0.052 to 0.901), p = 0.035). The results suggest that local PC cascade changes from a burn injury may be a separate process to the systemic effects and that the local levels may provide useful information in addition to the diagnostic and prognostic abilities we previously found in the circulating PC system.

Context Checkpoint inhibitor–associated autoimmune diabetes mellitus (CIADM) is a rare illness, and little is known about its incidence, clinical features, or pathogenesis. Case Series Description Consecutive patients from a single quaternary melanoma center who developed new-onset insulin-requiring diabetes after commencing anti–programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) immunotherapy were studied to describe CIADM characteristics. Ten (1.9%) of 538 patients with metastatic melanoma treated with anti–PD-1–based immunotherapy from March 2015 to March 2018 developed CIADM. Nine patients had no history of diabetes, and one had pre-existing type 2 diabetes mellitus. Median time from immunotherapy start to CIADM diagnosis was 25 weeks [interquartile range (IQR), 17.5 to 34.5 weeks]. All patients had normal serum C-peptide shortly before CIADM onset and an inappropriately low level when measured soon after. At CIADM diagnosis, median hemoglobin A1c was 7.6% (IQR, 7.15% to 9.75%), median glucose level was 32.5 mmol/L (IQR, 21.6 to 36.7 mmol/L), and median C-peptide concentration was 0.35 nmol/L (IQR, 0.10 to 0.49 mmol/L). Type 1 diabetes (T1D)–associated autoantibodies (DAAs) were present in two patients (both of whom had anti–glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody); all were negative for insulin-associated protein 2, insulin, and ZnT8. Three patients were heterozygous for an HLA class II T1D-risk haplotype; two additional patients also carried protective haplotypes for T1D. All patients continued immunotherapy; eight (80%) had complete or partial oncological response, and all patients required ongoing insulin therapy. Conclusion CIADM is characterized by sudden permanent β-cell failure occurring after immunotherapy. It is distinct from T1D, usually lacks DAA or T1D-associated HLA-risk haplotypes, and is associated with difficult glycemic control from the onset. As such, CIADM represents a new model of auto-inflammatory β-cell failure.

ABO blood group is associated with cardiovascular disease, with significantly lower risk in blood group O individuals. ABO(H) blood group determinants are expressed on different glycoproteins on platelet surfaces. In addition, ABO(H) structures are also present on VWF glycans. These ABO(H) carbohydrates influence both platelet and VWF function. Previous studies have reported that approximately 5–10% of normal blood donors express abnormally high or low levels of A or B blood group antigens on their platelet surfaces (high expresser phenotype, HXP or low expresser phenotype, LXP respectively). In this study, the biological effects of the ABO Expresser phenotype were investigated. ABO(H) expression on platelets and plasma VWF was studied in a series of 541 healthy blood donors. Overall, 5.6% of our study cohort were classified as HXP, whilst 4.4% satisfied criteria for LXP. We demonstrate that genotype at the ABO blood group locus plays a critical role in modulating the platelet HXP phenotype. In particular, A1A1 genotype is a major determinant of ABO high-expresser trait. Our data further show that ABH loading on VWF is also affected by ABO expresser phenotype. Consequently, A antigen expression on VWF was significantly elevated in HXP individuals and moderately reduced in LXP subjects (P

Navigating the complexities of a severe burn injury is a challenging endeavour where the natural course of some patients can be difficult to predict. Straddling both the coagulation and inflammatory cascades that feature strongly in the burns systemic pathophysiology, we propose the pleiotropic protein C (PC) system may produce a viable biomarker to assist traditional evaluation methods for diagnostic and prognostic purposes.We enrolled 86 patients in a prospective observational cohort study. Over three weeks, serial blood samples were taken and measured for PC, activated (A)PC, their receptor endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR), and a panel of inflammatory cytokines including C-reactive protein (CRP), tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-17. Their temporal trends were analysed alongside clinical factors including burn size, burn depth, presence of inhalational injury, and a composite outcome of requiring increased support.(i) APC increased from a nadir on Day 3 (2.3±2.1ng/mL vs 4.1±2.5ng/mL by Day 18, p0.0005), only becoming appropriately correlated to PC from Day 6 onwards (r=0.412-0.721, p0.05 for all Days 6-21). (ii) This early disturbance in the PC system was amplified in the more severe burns (≥30% total body surface area, predominantly full thickness, or with inhalational injury), which were characterised by a marked fall in PC activation (approximated by APC/PC ratio) and APC levels during Days 0-3 with low unchanged PC levels. Critically low levels of this cytoprotective agent was associated with greater inflammatory burden, as reflected by significantly elevated CRP, IL-6, and IL-8 levels in the more severe compared to less severe burns, and by negative correlations between both PC and APC with most inflammatory cytokines. (iii) Alongside clinical markers of severity at admission (burn size, burn depth, and presence of inhalational injury), only Day 0 APC/PC ratio (OR 1.048 (1.014-1.083), p=0.006), APC (OR 1.364 (1.032-1.803), p=0.029), PC (OR 0.899 (0.849-0.953), p0.0005), and not any inflammatory cytokines were predictive markers of requiring increased support. Uniquely, decreased Day 0 PC was further individually associated with each increased total length of stay, ICU length of stay, intravenous fluid resuscitation, and total surgeries, as well as possibly mortality.An early functional depletion of the cytoprotective PC system provides a physiological link between severe burns and the cytokine storm, likely contributing to worse outcomes. Our findings on the changes in APC, PC and PC activation during this pathological state support APC and PC as early diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, and provides a basis for their therapeutic potential in severe burn injuries.

Background Prevention of hospitalisation is an important aspect of type 2 diabetes (T2D) management. Aims We retrospectively determined the utility of the Hospital Admission Risk Programme (HARP) diabetes risk calculator (HARP tool) in identifying patients with T2D more likely to have unplanned hospital presentations. Methods The HARP tool includes a clinical assessment score (Part A) and a psychosocial and self-management impact score (Part B), and categorises patients into low, medium, high or urgent risk of acute hospitalisation. It was completed for T2D patients attending Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, in 2013. Results Within the cohort of 278 patients (age 65.3 ± 10.5 years; 62.9% male; diabetes duration 10.7 ± 6.6 years), 67.3% were classified as low risk, 32.7% as medium risk and none as high or urgent risk. Following adjustment for confounders, a medium HARP score was associated with a 3.1-fold increased risk of unplanned hospital presentations in the subsequent 12 months (95% confidence interval: 1.35-7.31; P = 0.008). Part A scores were significantly higher for patients that presented to hospital compared to those that did not (14.2 ± 6.8 vs 11.4 ± 5.5; P = 0.034), whereas there was no difference in Part B scores (P = 0.860). Conclusions In patients with low and medium HARP scores, clinical features were more predictive of hospital presentations than certain psychosocial or self-management factors in the present cohort. Further studies are required to characterise unplanned hospitalisation in patients with higher HARP scores, or whether additional psychosocial assessments could improve the tool's predictability.

BACKGROUND: In people with type 1 diabetes (T1D), nocturnal hypoglycaemia (NH) can be slept through and can cause seizures, arrhythmias and death. Hypoglycaemia avoidance can induce hyperglycaemia and ketosis. Patient behaviour impacts clinical outcomes and may be changed by education. AIM: To develop and utilise a survey to evaluate patient self-management of overnight glycaemia in adults with T1D. METHODS: Adults with T1D attending two Australian tertiary referral diabetes clinics completed a survey about their diabetes self-management and glycaemic control, including responses to hypothetical pre-bed blood glucose (BG) levels (4-20 mmol/L). Statistical analyses included t-tests, Chi square tests and ANOVA with significance considered at P < 0.05. RESULTS: There were 205 participants (103 females), with a mean (SD) age of 41 (17) years, T1D duration of 20 (16) years, HbA1c of 7.8(1.4)%, (61.3(8.2) mmol/mol), 38% on insulin pump therapy (CSII) and 36% with impaired hypoglycaemia awareness (IHA). Mean (SD) number of BG tests/day was 5.4 (2.7). Patients set higher BG target levels at bedtime and overnight: 7.5(1.4) and 7.1(1.3) mmol/L, respectively, compared to daytime (6.9(1.0); P < 0.0001 and P = 0.002 respectively). Only 36% of participants reported treating nocturnal hypoglycaemia (NH) with the recommended refined, then complex, carbohydrate. Only 28% of patients made safe choices in all bedtime BG scenarios, with higher rates for CSII users, P = 0.0005. Further education was desired by 32% of respondents, with higher rates in those with (44%) versus without IHA (25%), P = 0.006. CONCLUSIONS: Many adults with T1D have suboptimal knowledge and behaviour regarding overnight BG self-management. A survey, piloted herein, may facilitate the identification of patients who could benefit from further education.

Context Diagnosis of paragangliomas (PGL) and phaeochromocytomas (PC) can be challenging particularly if the tumour is small. Detection of metastatic disease is important for comprehensive management of malignant PC/PGL. Somatostatin receptor imaging (SRI) agents have high sensitivity for these tumours, particularly the DOTA family of radiopharmaceuticals labelled with 68 Gallium. Objective To describe the utility of SRI in primary assessment (ie before surgery) for PC/PGL and whether measures of maximum standardized uptake (SUVmax) could be used to distinguish between adrenal adenomas and PCs. Design Retrospective analysis of patients with PC and PGL between 2012 and 2017. Patients Somatostatin receptor imaging (SRI) was performed for suspected PC (n = 46) or PGL (n = 27) of which 36 were during primary assessment and 37 during secondary assessment (follow-up after surgery). For comparison of adrenal SUVmax, scans from 30 patients without suspected PC/PGL (20 with normal adrenals; 10 with incidental adenomas) were evaluated. Measurements Baseline description, sensitivity, specificity, Youden's index. Results Sensitivity of DOTATATE-PET was 88% for PC and 100% for PGL. False-negative scans were seen in 2/10 PCs 28 mm which had features of cystic degeneration. SUVmax of PCs and PGLs was more than double compared to adrenal adenomas (P > .001). Conclusion Somatostatin receptor imaging (SRI) has high sensitivity in primary assessment for PC and PGL. We recommend that SRI should be performed as part of primary assessment in all suspected PGLs (due to higher risk of multifocal lesions) and in PCs suspected to be associated with hereditary syndromes or metastases.

Introduction Von Willebrand factor propeptide (VWF:Ag II) is proposed to be a more sensitive marker of acute endothelial activation than von Willebrand factor antigen (VWF:Ag). Simultaneous data on VWF:Ag and VWF:Ag II profiles are very limited following TIA and ischaemic stroke. Methods In this prospective, observational, case-control study, plasma VWF:Ag and VWF:Ag II levels were quantified in 164 patients ≤ 4 weeks of TIA or ischaemic stroke (baseline), and then ≥ 14 days (14d) and ≥ 90 days (90d) later, and compared with those from 27 healthy controls. TIA and stroke subtyping was performed according to the TOAST classification. The relationship between VWF:Ag and VWF:Ag II levels and platelet activation status was assessed. Results ‘Unadjusted’ VWF:Ag and VWF:Ag II levels were higher in patients at baseline, 14d and 90d than in controls (p ≤ 0.03). VWF:Ag levels remained higher in patients than controls at baseline (p ≤ 0.03), but not at 14d or 90d after controlling for differences in age or hypertension, and were higher in patients at baseline and 90d after controlling for smoking status (p ≤ 0.04). ‘Adjusted’ VWF:Ag II levels were not higher in patients than controls after controlling for age, hypertension or smoking (p ≥ 0.1). Patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis (N = 46) had higher VWF:Ag and VWF:Ag II levels than controls at all time-points (p ≤ 0.002). There was no significant correlation between platelet activation status and VWF:Ag or VWF:Ag II levels. Conclusions VWF:Ag and VWF:Ag II levels are increased in an overall TIA and ischaemic stroke population, especially in patients with recently symptomatic carotid stenosis. VWF:Ag II was not superior to VWF:Ag at detecting acute endothelial activation in this cohort and might reflect timing of blood sampling in our study.

ObjectiveTo determine if continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy is associated with lower glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) variability (long-term glycaemic variability; GV) relative to multiple daily injection (MDI) treatment in adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).DesignRetrospective audit.Setting and participantsClinic records from 506 adults with T1DM from two tertiary Australian hospitals.Outcome measuresLong-term GV was assessed by HbA1c SD and coefficient of variation (CV) in adults on established MDI or CSII therapy, and in a subset changing from MDI to CSII.ResultsAdults (n=506, (164 CSII), 50% women, mean±SD age 38.0±15.3 years, 17.0±13.7 years diabetes, mean HbA1c 7.8%±1.2% (62±13 mmol/mol) on CSII, 8.0%±1.5% (64±16 mmol/mol) on MDI) were followed for 4.1±3.6 years. CSII use was associated with lower GV (HbA1c SD: CSII vs MDI 0.5%±0.41% (6±6 mmol/mol) vs 0.7%±0.7% (9±8 mmol/mol)) and CV: CSII vs MDI 6.7%±4.6% (10±10 mmol/mol) vs 9.3%±7.3% (14±13 mmol/mol), both pConclusionsIn clinical practice with T1DM adults relative to MDI, CSII therapy is associated with lower HbA1c GV.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in singleton pregnancy is associated with large for gestational age neonates and adverse perinatal outcomes; however, the impact of GDM in twin pregnancy is unclear. Thus, the aim of this study is to assess the perinatal outcomes of twin pregnancies complicated by GDM by performing a meta-analysis of observational studies. Studies investigating GDM in twin pregnancy were identified through an online search of three databases: Medline, Embase and Web of Science. Selection criteria comprised full paper observational studies (retrospective or prospective) published in English that examined GDM in twin pregnancy compared with non-GDM twin pregnancy and reported on birth weight and/or adverse perinatal outcomes. Random-effects models with inverse-variance weighting were used to calculate standardized mean differences and unadjusted odds ratios. Sensitivity analyses were carried out to determine the impact of possible maternal confounders (body mass index and age) and GDM diagnostic criteria on perinatal outcomes. Thirteen observational studies were included. GDM twins were born at the same gestation as non-GDM twins, with marginally lower birth weight. There was no difference in the incidence of large or small for gestational age neonates. Although there was no correlation between GDM in twin pregnancy and respiratory distress, neonatal hypoglycemic or low Apgar score, GDM twins had a higher rate of neonatal intensive care unit admission (OR 1.49; 95% confidence interval: 1.10, 2.02; P

Fetal exposure to hyperglycemia is a major determinant of large-for-gestational-age (LGA; birth weight >90th centile for gender) neonates (1), yet targets for glycemic control beyond the first trimester in type 1 diabetes (T1D) pregnancy remain controversial. As HbA1c represents a summary measure of glycemic control, it might not adequately reflect acute glucose fluctuations or glycemic variability (GV) that contributes to excess fetal growth. Moreover, neonates born to women who attain HbA1c

Protein C circulates in human plasma to regulate inflammation and coagulation. It has shown a crucial role in wound healing in animals, and low plasma levels predict the presence of a wound in diabetic patients. However, no detailed study has measured protein C levels in patients with severe burns over the course of a hospital admission. A severe burn is associated with dysfunction of inflammation and coagulation as well as a significant risk of morbidity and mortality. The current methods of burn assessment have shortcomings in reliability and have limited prognostic value. The discovery of a biomarker that estimates burn severity and predicts clinical events with greater accuracy than current methods may improve management, resource allocation and patient counseling. This is the first study to assess the potential role of protein C as a biomarker of burn severity. We measured the plasma protein C levels of 86 patients immediately following a severe burn, then every three days over the first three weeks of a hospital admission. We also analysed the relationships between burn characteristics, blood test results including plasma protein C levels and clinical events. We used a primary composite outcome of increased support utilisation defined as: a mean intravenous fluid administration volume of five litres or more per day over the first 72 h of admission, a length of stay in the intensive care unit of more than four days, or greater than four surgical procedures during admission. The hypothesis was that low protein C levels would be negatively associated with increased support utilisation. At presentation to hospital after a severe burn, the mean plasma protein C level was 76 ± 20% with a range of 34–130% compared to the normal range of 70–180%. The initial low can be plausibly explained by impaired synthesis, increased degradation and excessive consumption of protein C following a burn. Levels increased gradually over six days then remained at a steady-state until the end of the inpatient study period, day 21. A multivariable regression model (Nagelkerke’s R2 = 0.83) showed that the plasma protein C level on admission contributed the most to the ability of the model to predict increased support utilisation (OR = 0.825 (95% CI = 0.698-0.977), P = 0.025), followed by burn size (OR = 1.252 (95% CI = 1.025–1.530), P = 0.027), burn depth (partial thickness was used as the reference, full thickness OR = 80.499 (1.569–4129.248), P = 0.029), and neutrophil count on admission (OR = 1.532 (95% CI = 0.950–2.473), P = 0.08). Together, these four variables predicted increased support utilisation with 93.2% accuracy, 83.3% sensitivity and 97.6% specificity. However if protein C values were disregarded, only 49.5% of the variance was explained, with 82% accuracy, 63% sensitivity and 91.5% specificity. Thus, protein C may be a useful biomarker of burn severity and study replication will enable validation of these novel findings.

The article entitled, “Evaluation of Blood Glucose Meter Efficacy in an Antenatal Diabetes Clinic,” 2016;18(2):68–74. DOI: 10.1089/dia.2015.0104, is being officially retracted from Diabetes Technology and Therapeutics (DTT). One year after the publication of this article, the lead author, Dr. Rachel T. McGrath (Royal North Shore Hospital; Sydney, Australia), contacted the Editor-in-Chief of DTT to ask for a significant number of corrections be made to the published text due to erroneous analyses of the data. After reviewing the pervasive nature of the requested changes, the Editor determined that the corrections do not qualify as errata, but instead warrants a full retraction. While the errors in the reported analyses were unintentional, DTT and its editorial leadership are committed to maintaining the highest level of scientific reporting and publishing, and therefore officially retracts the article.

Despite significant reductions in serious adverse perinatal outcomes for women with type 1 diabetes in pregnancy, the opposite effect has been observed for fetal overgrowth and associated complications, such as neonatal hypoglycemia, shoulder dystocia, and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. In addition, infants born large for gestational age (LGA) have an increased lifetime risk of obesity, diabetes, and chronic disease. Although exposure to hyperglycemia plays an important role, women who seemingly achieve adequate glycemic control in pregnancy continue to experience a greater risk of excess fetal growth, leading to LGA neonates and macrosomia. We review potential contributors to excess fetal growth in pregnancies complicated by type 1 diabetes. In addition to hyperglycemia, we explore the role of glycemic variability, prepregnancy overweight and obesity, gestational weight gain, and maternal lipid levels. Greater understanding of the stimuli that drive excess fetal growth could lead to targeted management strategies in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes, potentially reducing the incidence of LGA neonates and the inherent risk of acute and long-term complications.

Metformin is increasingly being used a therapeutic option for the management of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The aim of this study was to compare the maternal characteristics and perinatal outcomes of women with GDM treated with metformin (with or without supplemental insulin) with those receiving other management approaches. A retrospective, case-control study was carried out and 83 women taking metformin were matched 1:1 with women receiving insulin or diet and lifestyle modification alone. Women managed with diet and lifestyle modification had a significantly lower fasting plasma glucose (p < 0.001) and HbA1c (p < 0.01) at diagnosis of GDM. Furthermore, women managed with metformin had a higher early pregnancy body mass index (BMI) compared to those receiving insulin or diet and lifestyle modification (p < 0.001). There was no difference in mode of delivery, birth weight or incidence of large- or small-for-gestational-age neonates between groups. Women receiving glucose lowering therapies had a higher rate of neonatal hypoglycaemia (p < 0.05). The incidence of other adverse perinatal outcomes was similar between groups. Despite their greater BMI, women with metformin-treated GDM did not have an increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. Metformin is a useful alternative to insulin in the management of GDM.

SummaryObjective Serum thyroglobulin (Tg) is a marker of residual differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) after total thyroidectomy; however, circulating antithyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) may interfere with the immunoassay for Tg. Ultrasensitive assays may have a more significant role in detecting circulating Tg in the context of samples containing TgAb. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of ultrasensitive thyroglobulin (US-Tg) measurement compared to standard Tg measurement and to assess the influence of serum TgAb positivity on Tg detection in a large tertiary referral centre cohort in Australia. Design All patients with DTC who had undergone total thyroidectomy were included in this retrospective, observational cohort study. Patients Patients providing samples for the period of June 2006 until January 2014 were analysed. Three thousand two hundred and eight samples were measured at the same points in time, enabling serum Tg assays to be compared for the same TSH status (stimulated or suppressed). Measurements The standard assay, the Siemens Immulite 2000 Tg assay, was compared to the serum ultrasensitive ELISA RSR™ Tg. TgAb were simultaneously measured using Abbott Architect or Immulite 2000. Results There were 3019 samples included in the final analysis for comparison of the standard and ultrasensitive assays along with TgAb status. The majority of samples were TgAb negative (87%), with 48% of TgAb-negative samples associated with an undetectable serum Tg, suggestive of disease-free status at the time of sampling. Of note, 26% (n = 104) of the TgAb-positive samples were positive for Tg on the ultrasensitive Tg assay, but negative on the immulite Tg assay, and 62·5% (n = 65) of these samples corresponded to DTC recurrence. Conclusion The US-Tg assay has greater clinical utility than the standard immulite Tg assay specifically in the scenario of antibody positivity, with a significant number of samples corresponding to clinically relevant recurrent or metastatic disease.

In people with type 1 diabetes (T1D), nocturnal hypoglycaemia (NH) can be slept through and can cause seizures, arrhythmias and death. Hypoglycaemia avoidance can induce hyperglycaemia and ketosis. Patient behaviour impacts clinical outcomes and may be changed by education.To develop and utilise a survey to evaluate patient self-management of overnight glycaemia in adults with T1D.Adults with T1D attending two Australian tertiary referral diabetes clinics completed a survey about their diabetes self-management and glycaemic control, including responses to hypothetical pre-bed blood glucose (BG) levels (4-20 mmol/L). Statistical analyses included t-tests, Chi square tests and ANOVA with significance considered at P0.05.There were 205 participants (103 females), with a mean (SD) age of 41 (17) years, T1D duration of 20 (16) years, HbA1c of 7.8(1.4)%, (61.3(8.2) mmol/mol), 38% on insulin pump therapy (CSII) and 36% with impaired hypoglycaemia awareness (IHA). Mean (SD) number of BG tests/day was 5.4 (2.7). Patients set higher BG target levels at bedtime and overnight: 7.5(1.4) and 7.1(1.3) mmol/L, respectively, compared to daytime (6.9(1.0); P0.0001 and P = 0.002 respectively). Only 36% of participants reported treating nocturnal hypoglycaemia (NH) with the recommended refined, then complex, carbohydrate. Only 28% of patients made safe choices in all bedtime BG scenarios, with higher rates for CSII users, P = 0.0005. Further education was desired by 32% of respondents, with higher rates in those with (44%) versus without IHA (25%), P = 0.006.Many adults with T1D have suboptimal knowledge and behaviour regarding overnight BG self-management. A survey, piloted herein, may facilitate the identification of patients who could benefit from further education.

Introduction The importance of thrombin generation in the pathogenesis of TIA or stroke and its relationship with cerebral microembolic signals (MES) in asymptomatic and symptomatic carotid stenosis has not been comprehensively assessed. Methods Plasma thrombin generation parameters from patients with moderate or severe (≥50%) asymptomatic carotid stenosis were compared with those from patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis in the early ( ≤4 weeks) and late phases (≥3 months) after TIA or stroke in this prospective, pilot observational study. Thrombin generation profile was longitudinally assessed in symptomatic patients with data at each time point. Bilateral transcranial Doppler ultrasound monitoring of the middle cerebral arteries was performed whenever possible to classify patients as MES-positive or MES-negative. Results Data from 31 asymptomatic, 46 ‘early symptomatic’ and 35 ‘late symptomatic’ patients were analysed. Peak thrombin (344.2 nM vs 305.3 nM; p=0.01) and endogenous thrombin potential (1772.4 vs 1589.7; p=0.047) were higher in early symptomatic than asymptomatic patients. Peak thrombin production decreased in symptomatic patients followed up from the early to late phase after TIA or stroke (339.7 nM vs 308.6 nM; p=0.02). Transcranial Doppler ultrasound data were available in 25 asymptomatic, 31 early symptomatic and 27 late symptomatic patients. Early symptomatic MES-positive patients had a shorter ‘time-to-peak thrombin’ than asymptomatic MES-positive patients (p=0.04), suggesting a more procoagulant state in this early symptomatic subgroup. Discussion Thrombin generation potential is greater in patients with recently symptomatic than asymptomatic carotid stenosis, and decreases over time following TIA or stroke associated with carotid stenosis. These data improve our understanding of the haemostatic/thrombotic biomarker profile in moderate-severe carotid stenosis.

The impact of commencing or changing antiplatelet therapy on von Willebrand factor antigen (VWF:Ag) and von Willebrand factor propeptide (VWF:Ag II) levels has not been comprehensively assessed following TIA or ischaemic stroke. In this pilot, longitudinal, observational analytical study, VWF:Ag and VWF:Ag II levels were simultaneously quantified in platelet poor plasma by ELISA in patients within 4 weeks of TIA or ischaemic stroke (baseline), and then 14 days (14d) and >90 days (90d) after altering antiplatelet therapy. Ninety-one patients were recruited. Eighteen were initially assessed on no antiplatelet therapy, and then after 14d (N = 17) and 90d (N = 8) on aspirin monotherapy; 21 patients were assessed on aspirin and after 14d and 90d on clopidogrel; 52 were assessed on aspirin monotherapy, and after 14d and 90d on aspirin and dipyridamole combination therapy. VWF:Ag, VWF:Ag II levels and VWF:Ag/VWF:Ag II ratio were unchanged at 14d and 90d in the overall study population (p ≥ 0.1). VWF:Ag and VWF:Ag II levels remained stable at 14d and 90d after commencing aspirin (p ≥ 0.054), and after changing from aspirin to clopidogrel (p ≥ 0.2). Following the addition of dipyridamole MR to aspirin, there was a significant reduction in VWF:Ag levels at 14d (p = 0.03) and 90d (p = 0.005), but not in VWF:Ag II levels (p ≥ 0.3). The addition of dipyridamole to aspirin led to a persistent reduction in VWF:Ag but not in VWF:Ag II levels, suggesting that dipyridamole may inhibit release of platelet-derived VWF:Ag following TIA or ischaemic stroke.

Introduction Chronic disease management programs (CDMPs) that include health coaching can facilitate and coordinate diabetes management. The aim of this study was to assess changes in patients’ general knowledge of diabetes, self-reported health status, diabetes distress, body mass index (BMI), and glycemic control after enrollment in a face-to-face CDMP group health coaching session (with telephone follow-up) compared with participation in telephone-only health coaching, during a 12-month period. Methods Patients with diabetes were enrolled in a health coaching program at Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia, in 2013. Questionnaires were administered at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months, and the results were compared with baseline. Glycemic control, measured with glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and BMI, were measured at baseline and 12 months. Results Overall, 238 patients attended a face-to-face CDMP session with telephone follow-up (n = 178) or participated in telephone-only health coaching (n = 60). We found no change in BMI in either group; however, HbA1c levels in patients with baseline above the current recommended target (>7%) decreased significantly from 8.5% (standard deviation [SD], 1.0%) to 7.9% (SD, 1.0%) (P = .03). Patients with the lowest self-reported health status at baseline improved from 4.4 (SD, 0.5) to 3.7 (SD, 0.9) (P = .001). Diabetes knowledge improved in all patients (24.4 [SD, 2.4] to 25.2 [SD, 2.4]; P < .001), and diabetes distress decreased among those with the highest levels of distress at baseline (3.0 [SD, 0.4] vs 3.8 [SD, 0.6]; P = .003). Conclusion Diabetes health coaching programs can improve glycemic control and reduce diabetes distress in patients with high levels of these at baseline.

© 2017 Glastras et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. Aims/Hypothesis: Developmental programming induced by maternal obesity influences the development of chronic disease in offspring. In the present study, we aimed to determine whether maternal obesity exaggerates obesity-related kidney disease. Methods: Female C57BL/6 mice were fed high-fat diet (HFD) for six weeks prior to mating, during gestation and lactation. Male offspring were weaned to normal chow or HFD. At postnatal Week 8, HFD-fed offspring were administered one dose streptozotocin (STZ, 100 mg/kg i.p.) or vehicle control. Metabolic parameters and renal functional and structural changes were observed at postnatal Week 32. Results: HFD-fed offspring had increased adiposity, glucose intolerance and hyperlipidaemia, associated with increased albuminuria and serum creatinine levels. Their kidneys displayed structural changes with increased levels of fibrotic, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. STZ administration did not potentiate the renal effects of HFD. Though maternal obesity had a sustained effect on serum creatinine and oxidative stress markers in lean offspring, the renal consequences of maternal obesity were overwhelmed by the powerful effect of diet-induced obesity. Conclusion: Maternal obesity portends significant risks for metabolic and renal health in adult offspring. However, diet-induced obesity is an overwhelming and potent stimulus for the development of CKD that is not potentiated by maternal obesity.

Background Diastolic dysfunction is a major cause of morbidity in obese individuals. We aimed to assess the ability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) derived left atrial (LA) strain to detect early diastolic dysfunction in individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes, and to explore the association between cardiac adipose tissue and LA function. Methods Twenty patients with obesity and T2D (55 ± 8 years) and nineteen healthy controls (48 ± 13 years) were imaged using cine steady state free precession and 2-point Dixon cardiovascular magnetic resonance. LA function was quantified using a feature tracking technique with definition of phasic longitudinal strain and strain rates, as well as radial motion fraction and radial velocities. Results Systolic left ventricular size and function were similar between the obesity and type 2 diabetes and control groups by MRI. All patients except four had normal diastolic assessment by echocardiography. In contrast, measures of LA function using magnetic resonance feature tracking were uniformly altered in the obesity and type 2 diabetes group only. Although there was no significant difference in intra-myocardial fat fraction, Dixon 3D epicardial fat volume(EFV) was significantly elevated in the obesity and type 2 diabetes versus control group (135 ± 31 vs. 90 ± 30 mL/m2, p Conclusions LA MRI-strain may be a sensitive tool for the detection of early diastolic dysfunction in individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes and correlated with BMI and epicardial fat supporting a possible association between adiposity and LA strain. Trials Registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry No. ACTRN12613001069741

The use of metformin in gestational diabetes is safe and effective, yet some women require additional insulin therapy to achieve glycaemic targets. We found a significant association between earlier gestational age at initiation of metformin therapy and the necessity for supplemental insulin in women treated with metformin during pregnancy.

Maternal obesity is known to increase the risk of obesity and diabetes in offspring. Though diabetes is a key risk factor for the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD), the relationship between maternal obesity and CKD has not been clearly defined. In this study, a mouse model of maternal obesity was employed to determine the impact of maternal obesity on development of diabetic nephropathy in offspring. Female C57BL/6 mice were fed high-fat diet (HFD) for six weeks prior to mating, during gestation and lactation. Male offspring were weaned to normal chow diet. At postnatal Week 8, offspring were randomly administered low dose streptozotocin (STZ, 55 mg/kg/day for five days) to induce diabetes. Assessment of renal damage took place at postnatal Week 32. We found that offspring of obese mothers had increased renal fibrosis, inflammation and oxidative stress. Importantly, offspring exposed to maternal obesity had increased susceptibility to renal damage when an additional insult, such as STZ-induced diabetes, was imposed. Specifically, renal inflammation and oxidative stress induced by diabetes was augmented by maternal obesity. Our findings suggest that developmental programming induced by maternal obesity has implications for renal health in offspring. Maternal obesity should be considered a risk factor for CKD.

von Willebrand factor (VWF) multimeric composition is regulated in plasma by ADAMTS13. VWF deglycosylation enhances proteolysis by ADAMTS13. In this study, the role of terminal sialic acid residues on VWF glycans in mediating proteolysis by ADAMTS13 was investigated. Quantification and distribution of VWF sialylation was examined by sequential digestion and high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. Total sialic acid expression on VWF was 167nmol/mg, of which the majority (80.1%) was present on N-linked glycan chains. Enzymatic desialylation of VWF by α2-3,6,8,9 neuraminidase (Neu-VWF) markedly impaired ADAMTS13-mediated VWF proteolysis. Neu-VWF collagen binding activity was reduced to 50% (± 14%) by ADAMTS13, compared with 11% (± 7%) for untreated VWF. Despite this, Neu-VWF exhibited increased susceptibility to other proteases, including trypsin, chymotrypsin, and cathepsin B. VWF expressing different blood groups exhibit altered ADAMTS13 proteolysis rates (O ≥ B > A ≥ AB). However, ABO blood group regulation of ADAMTS13 proteolysis was ablated on VWF desialylation, as both Neu-O-VWF and Neu-AB-VWF were cleaved by ADAMTS13 at identical rates. These novel data show that sialic acid protects VWF against proteolysis by serine and cysteine proteases but specifically enhances susceptibility to ADAMTS13 proteolysis. Quantitative variation in VWF sialylation therefore represents a key determinant of VWF multimeric composition and, as such, may be of pathophysiologic significance.

Introduction Both hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia in acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) are associated with increased infarct size and worse functional outcomes. Thus, therapies that can maintain normoglycaemia during stroke are clinically important. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) analogues, including exenatide, are routinely used in the treatment of hyperglycaemia in type 2 diabetes, but data on the usefulness of this class of agents in the management of elevated glucose levels in AIS are limited. Owing to their glucose-dependent mechanism of action, GLP-1 analogues are associated with a low risk of hypoglycaemia, which may give them an advantage over intensive insulin therapy in the acute management of hyperglycaemia in this setting. Methods and analysis The Short-Term EXenatide therapy in Acute ischaemic Stroke study is a randomised, open-label, parallel-group pilot study designed to investigate the efficacy of exenatide at lowering blood glucose levels in patients with hyperglycaemia with AIS. A total of 30 patients presenting with AIS and blood glucose levels >10 mmol/L will be randomised to receive the standard therapy (intravenous insulin) or intravenous exenatide for up to 72 h. Outcomes including blood glucose levels within the target range (5–10 mmol/L), the incidence of hypoglycaemia and the feasibility of administering intravenous exenatide in this patient population will be assessed. A follow-up visit at 3 months will facilitate evaluation of neurological outcomes post-stroke. Ethics and dissemination This study has been approved by the local Institutional Review Board (Northern Sydney Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committee). The study results will be communicated via presentations at scientific conferences and through publication in peer-reviewed journals. Conclusions As GLP-1 analogues require elevated glucose levels to exert their insulin potentiating activity, the use of exenatide in the management of hyperglycaemia in AIS may reduce the incidence of hypoglycaemia, thereby conferring a benefit in morbidity and mortality for patients in the long term. Trial registration number ACTRN12614001189617.

Maternal obesity is associated with an increased risk of chronic disease in offspring, including type 2 diabetes (T2D). Exendin-4 (Exd-4) activates the glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor thereby decreasing serum glucose levels and body weight. In addition, Exd-4 has been shown to reduce renal and cardiac complications in experimental models of T2D. We hypothesized that treatment with Exd-4 would ameliorate the detrimental effects of maternal and diet-induced obesity on renal characteristics in offspring. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed either normal or high-fat diet (HFD) for 6 weeks prior to pregnancy, during pregnancy and lactation, and their offspring were weaned to normal or HFD. The offspring were randomized to Exd-4 or placebo from weaning and their kidneys harvested at Week 9. We found that the kidneys of offspring from obese mothers, regardless of postnatal diet, had significantly increased markers of inflammation, oxidative stress and fibrosis. Exd-4 ameliorated the negative renal effects of maternal obesity and in particular, reduced renal inflammation, oxidative stress and fibrosis. In conclusion, maternal obesity has persisting effects on renal structure in the offspring. GLP-1 analogues are potentially useful for protecting against the deleterious effects of maternal obesity on renal physiology in offspring.

The optimal treatment of diabetes in pregnancy requires accurate measurement of blood glucose levels, in order to minimize adverse outcomes for both mother and neonate. Self-monitoring of blood glucose is routinely used to measure glycemic control and to assess whether treatment targets are being met; however, the accuracy of blood glucose meters in pregnancy is unclear.Pregnant women with gestational, type 1, or type 2 diabetes mellitus were eligible to participate. Nonfasting capillary blood glucose levels were measured in duplicate using the BGStar(®) (Sanofi, Sydney, Australia) and FreeStyle Lite(®) (Abbott, Sydney) blood glucose meters. Venous blood samples were collected and analyzed for plasma glucose, hematocrit, and glycated hemoglobin. Capillary blood glucose was compared with plasma glucose and further assessed according to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 15197:2013 standards.One hundred ten women were recruited, providing 96 samples suitable for analysis. The mean ± SD laboratory plasma glucose level was 4.6 ± 1.4 mmol/L; the BGStar and FreeStyle Lite capillary blood glucose values were 5.3 ± 1.4 mmol/L and 5.0 ± 1.3 mmol/L, respectively. Both meters showed a positive bias (0.42 mmol/L for the FreeStyle Lite and 0.65 mmol/L for the BGStar). Furthermore, neither meter fulfilled the ISO 15197:2013 standards, and there was a nonsignificant improvement in meter performance at blood glucose levels of ≤4.2 mmol/L. Hematocrit did not affect the results of either blood glucose meter. Clarke Error Grid analysis demonstrated that approximately 70% of the results of both meters would lead to appropriate clinical action.The BGStar and FreeStyle Lite blood glucose meters did not meet ISO 15197:2013 recommendations for blood glucose monitoring systems when assessed in a population of women with diabetes in pregnancy. Clinicians should consider this difference in blood glucose readings when making diabetes-related treatment decisions.

We read with interest the findings of Ooi and Wong (1) in their recent article on gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in twin pregnancy. Whereas a major goal of GDM management in singleton pregnancies is to reduce fetal overgrowth, twin pregnancies are inherently associated with restricted fetal growth and uncommonly reach full-term gestation. Therefore, it is important to evaluate birth weight outcomes for GDM in twin pregnancy. The authors reported that women with GDM in twin pregnancy have a similar rate of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) (birth weight

The identification of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor in the central nervous system has led to an array of studies exploring the functions of central GLP-1 signalling. Originally identified as a gastrointestinal incretin hormone responsible for the potentiation of insulin secretion following ingestion of nutrients, the role of GLP-1 has been expanded to include specific neural activities. Two distinct actions of GLP-1 receptor activation in the brain have been identified, namely the regulation of appetite via promotion of satiety, as well as anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activity to promote neuronal cell survival. Both of these features are now being exploited clinically, with GLP-1 receptor agonists, initially designed and marketed for the treatment of hyperglycaemia in type 2 diabetes, now being directed towards use in obesity and as potential neuroprotective agents. This review gives a summary of the functional role of GLP-1 in the central nervous system, in terms of promoting satiety, modulating food intake and aiding in the regulation of peripheral glycaemia. In addition, the molecular mechanisms underpinning the beneficial effects of central GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy in protecting against neuronal cell inflammation and death, including neurodegenerative processes, are described.

Abstract 2234 Von Willebrand Factor (VWF) is extensively glycosylated with both N- and O-linked carbohydrates. Moreover, these complex glycan structures influence VWF functional properties, including susceptibility to ADAMTS13 proteolysis, and plasma clearance. The molecular mechanisms through which VWF glycosylation (including ABO blood group antigens) act to influence VWF physiology remains unexplained. However, recent data suggest that VWF circulates in normal plasma bound to various carbohydrate-binding proteins, including specific members of the galectin family. In addition, galectin-3 binding has been reported to influence VWF cleavage by ADAMTS13. In this context, we sought to elucidate the role of specific VWF glycan determinants in modulating galectin interaction. VWF was purified from human plasma (pdVWF) by cryoprecipitation and gel filtration. VWF glycosylation was then modified using exoglycosidases and quantified by specific lectin ELISAs. Blood group specific VWF was also purified from pooled group AB, O, or Bombay plasmas. Galectins-1 and -3 were transiently expressed in competent E-coli cells with an N-terminal histidine tag, and purified by nickel chromatography. Finally, binding interactions were characterized via modified immunosorbant assay. In keeping with the previous report of Lenting et al, human pdVWF bound to both galectin-1 and galectin-3 in a dose-dependent manner. Enzymatic desialylation of pdVWF with α2-3,6,8,9 neuraminidase (Neu-VWF) markedly enhanced binding to galectin-1 (231±6%, p ABO(H) blood group antigens are expressed on both the N-linked and O-linked glycans of human VWF. Moreover, ABO(H) determinants influence VWF susceptibility to ADAMTS13 proteolysis and plasma VWF half-life, through unknown mechanisms. Purified VWF from normal group AB individuals bound to both galectin-1 and galectin-3 significantly better than group O VWF (146±8% and 483±19%; p These novel data demonstrate that both the N- and O-linked oligosaccharide structures of VWF are involved in mediating galectin binding. In particular, expression of terminal AB blood group antigens, and expression of sub-terminal galactose moieties following loss of capping sialic acid, both markedly enhance galectin binding affinity. Further studies will be required to define how galectin binding is involved in mediating the functional consequences of variation in VWF glycans. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract 382FN2 VWF is a multimeric plasma sialoglycoprotein essential for normal haemostasis. Although the biosynthesis, structure and functional properties of VWF have been well characterized, the molecular mechanism(s) underlying its clearance remain poorly understood. Nevertheless, enhanced VWF clearance is important in the pathophysiology of VWD. Moreover, emerging data suggest that variation in VWF glycosylation (notably ABO blood group) may constitute an important regulator of in vivo clearance rates. To define the role of VWF glycans in modulating clearance, VWF was purified from human plasma (pdVWF) by cryoprecipitation and gel filtration. Subsequently, VWF glycosylation was modified using exoglycosidases and quantified by specific lectin-binding ELISAs. Finally, the effect of altered glycosylation on VWF plasma half-life was characterized by administration of VWF glycan variants to VWF−/− mice. Wild type pdVWF was cleared in biphasic manner, characterized by a rapid initial phase followed by a slower secondary phase (t1/2 = 46.9 min). Enzymatic desialylation of VWF with α2–3,6,8,9 neuraminidase (Neu-VWF) markedly enhanced VWF clearance (t1/2 = 3.7 min; p These novel data demonstrate that variation in the N- or O-linked carbohydrate structures significantly modulate VWF half-life in vivo. Moreover, VWF clearance is not mediated solely through the ASGPR, but may also require additional as yet unidentified macrophage receptors for full clearance. Therefore, qualitative and quantitative variation in VWF glycosylation represents a key regulator of VWF clearance, and as such is likely to be of direct pathophysiological significance. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract 2119 Poster Board II-96 ABO(H) blood group antigen expression on platelets varies widely among normal blood donors. An ABO ‚High Expresser' phenotype (HXP) that exhibits significantly increased A and/or B antigen expression on platelets has been identified in ∼7% of normal donors. HXP has been implicated in both platelet-refractoriness and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenic purpura, however, the underlying molecular and genetic elements that mediate this phenomenon are not well-defined. To investigate the mechanisms underlying HXP, blood samples were collected from 231 group A (180 A1and 51 A2) and 310 group O individual apheresis platelet donors. Quantitative expression of platelet A and H antigen were then assessed by flow cytometry of platelet-rich plasma. In total, 10 A1 donors (5.6%) exhibited HXP. Analysis of the platelet A antigen expression in these individuals identified 8 HXP donors who exhibited ‚type I' HXP (normal bimodal population of platelets, but with predominant A antigen expression) whereas 2 individuals exhibited ‚type II' HXP (a single uniform population of platelets, strongly positive for blood group A expression). Both types of HXP were found to be a stable donor characteristic. ABO(H) determinants have also been identified on the N-linked glycans of the plasma von Willebrand factor (VWF), and influence plasma VWF levels and susceptibility to proteolysis by ADAMTS13. To determine whether HXP was platelet-specific, blood group A antigen expression on plasma VWF from group A donors was determined. Interestingly, blood group A antigen expression on plasma VWF was concordantly increased in donors with type I and type II HXP, indicative of increased glycosyltransferase expression in HXP individuals. To ascertain whether increased glycosyltransferase expression contributes to HXP, ABO genotype was determined for all 231 group A donors by PCR-RFLP analysis. Genotype at the ABO locus on 9q34 exerts a dosage effect on glycosyltransferase expression. 80% HXP (all type I) donors were genotyped A1A1. suggesting increased A transferase activity contributes to type I HXP. Despite this, the majority of A1A1individuals (67%) did not exhibit HXP, and 2 HXP donors were found to possess the A2 allele, which expresses limited A transferase enzymatic activity. Collectively, this data clearly demonstrates the contribution of additional factors to ABO genotype that contribute to HXP. To identify additional HXP modifiers, potential enhancer repeat elements upstream of the ABO gene were examined in group A donors, including those with HXP. Typically, A1alleles contain a single 43-base pair repeat within a minisatellite positive regulatory region upstream of the ABO gene. In contrast, A2and O1alleles contain four 43bp repeats, which are associated with a 100-fold enhancement of transcriptional activity. Analysis of this enhancer region demonstrated two HXP donors with A1alleles containing four copies of the 43-base pair repeat. Consequently, this allele would be predicted to modulate A transferase expression via enhanced ABO gene transcription. In conclusion, we have demonstrated the multi-factorial nature of the regulatory elements mediating platelet type I and type II HXP. A1alleles containing novel upstream enhancer repeats identified in donor individuals may represent a novel genetic mediator of HXP, and contribute to the pathophysiology associated with this phenomenon independently of ABO genotype. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract 30 VWF is a large plasma sialoglycoprotein that mediates platelet tethering at sites of vascular injury. VWF function is dependent upon VWF multimeric composition, which is regulated in plasma by ADAMTS13. ABO(H) blood group determinants expressed on VWF N-linked glycans significantly influence susceptibility to ADAMTS13 proteolysis. In this study, we investigated whether terminal sialic acid residues expressed on the N- and O-linked glycans of VWF may also regulate proteolysis by ADAMTS13. VWF was initially purified from human plasma (pdVWF) by cryoprecipitation and gel filtration. Subsequently, VWF sialylation was modified using specific exoglycosidases and quantified by lectin-binding ELISA. The rate of glycosidase-treated VWF proteolysis by ADAMTS13 was determined by incubation with recombinant ADAMTS13 and subsequent measurement of residual VWF collagen binding activity. Complete VWF deglycosylation has been shown to enhance the rate of proteolysis by ADAMTS13. In contrast, enzymatic desialylation of VWF by α2-3,6,8,9 neuraminidase (Neu-VWF) markedly impaired the rate of ADAMTS13-mediated VWF proteolysis. Neu-VWF collagen binding activity was reduced to only 50±14% by ADAMTS13, compared to 11±7% for untreated VWF (p Previous studies have demonstrated that VWF expressing different blood groups exhibit altered rates of proteolysis by ADAMTS13 (O ≥ B > A ≥ AB). Since α2-6 linked sialic acid and ABO(H) determinants are both expressed as terminal antigens on VWF N-linked glycans, the effect of desialylation upon blood group-specific VWF proteolysis by ADAMTS13 was determined. As expected, untreated group O VWF was cleaved significantly faster than group AB-VWF (p Sialic acid can mediate protein-protein interactions through either conformational and/or charge-mediated mechanisms. Despite this, sodium metaperiodate treatment of pdVWF to remove sialic acid anionic charge did not influence the rate of proteolysis by ADAMTS13. In contrast, the ability of sialic acid to specifically enhance ADAMTS13 proteolysis of VWF was significantly attenuated at high urea concentrations (≥2M), supporting the hypothesis that VWF sialylation enhances proteolysis by ADAMTS13 by promoting a ADAMTS13-specific permissive conformation. These novel data demonstrate that although sialic acid protects VWF against proteolysis by serine and cysteine proteases, it also specifically enhances susceptibility to proteolysis by ADAMTS13. Moreover, the magnitude of this sialic acid-specific effect on VWF proteolysis by ADAMTS13 is more marked than that attributable to N-linked ABO(H) blood group antigen expression. Therefore, quantitative variation in VWF sialylation represents a key regulator of VWF multimeric composition, and as such, is likely to be of clear patho-physiological significance. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.