[Research advance in von Willebrand factor].

von Willebrand factor (vWF) is a multimeric glycoprotein exclusively synthesized in endothelial cells and megakaryocytes. It plays important roles in the primary and secondary haemostasis. Deficiency or dysfunction of vWF may cause von Willebrand disease (vWD), and overexpression of vWF may cause thrombosis. Making an intensive study on vWF will help us to understand the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of vWF-related diseases, such as vWD, TTP, venous thrombosis, stroke, and so on. In this article, the regulation of vWF activity and its relation with diseases mentioned above are reviewed.