Year: 2009
Type: article
Abstract: We appreciate the comments of Dr Maisonneuve et al. ( 1 ). They highlighted an interesting biology relating to ABO blood group antigens, namely, that circulating levels of von Willebrand factor (vWF) and clotting factor VIII vary by a person's blood type. Specifically, individuals with blood type O have approximately 25% lower plasma levels of vWF and factor VIII than those with blood type A, AB, or B, and this difference in circulating levels of vWF and factor VIII has been associated with a higher risk for thrombosis in individuals with non–O blood types (ie, blood type A, AB, or B) ( 2 ). Recent work has suggested that lower circulating vWF levels in patients with blood type O is attributable to a shorter circulating half-life of vWF in these individuals ( 3 ). Dr Maisonneuve et al. asked whether data on venous thrombosis, either before or after diagnosis, might help elucidate a mechanism underlying the association between ABO blood group antigens and pancreatic cancer risk. In our two large cohorts, we do not have information on venous thrombosis or plasma levels of coagulation factors. Therefore, we are unable to directly address this hypothesis, with currently available data. However, alterations in circulating or membrane-bound glycoproteins relating to ABO glycosyltransferase specificity remain a plausible hypothesis to explain the observed association. If the association between blood group antigens and pancreatic cancer risk is replicated in other cohorts, deciphering the underlying mechanism will be an area of great interest.
DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djp199
Authors: Brian M. Wolpin, Charles S. Fuchs
Institution: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Language: English
Topic: Blood groups and transfusion
Subfield: Hematology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4256462571