Fibrinogen Aα-Thr312Ala and factor XIII-A Val34Leu polymorphisms in idiopathic venous thromboembolism☆

Abstract 

Introduction

Fibrinogen Aα-Thr312Ala and Factor XIII Val34Leu polymorphisms have been shown to modify fibrin clot structure and function. However, clinical studies have yielded conflicting results on their possible association with venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Methods

We studied the association between these two polymorphisms and VTE in a hospital-based case–control study. We also assessed whether an independent or interactive association exists between Aα-fibrinogen Thr312Ala and FXIII Val34Leu polymorphisms and VTE. Fibrinogen Aα-Thr312Ala and FXIII Val34Leu polymorphisms were determined after PCR and restriction endonuclease digestion in 286 patients with idiopathic VTE and 286 age- and gender-matched controls. Results were analysed using a conditional logistic regression model for matched series.

Results

The Fg-Aα 312Ala allele was associated with higher risk of VTE (OR 1.5; 95% CI: 1.1 to 2.2, p=0.01) while the FXIII 34Leu allele appeared protective (OR 0.7; 95% CI: 0.6 to 0.9, p=0.02). Both alleles demonstrated an independent association with idiopathic VTE after adjustment for Factor V Leiden and G20210A prothrombin polymorphisms. There was no interaction between the fibrinogen Aα-Thr312Ala and FXIII Val34Leu polymorphisms for the risk of VTE.

Conclusion

In this case-control study, the fibrinogen Fg-Aα 312Ala allele was associated with an increased risk of VTE. The FXIII 34Leu allele was also significantly associated with a lower risk of VTE without any interaction between the two polymorphisms studied.