Factor VII ; R353Q polymorphism ; Coronary artery disease
Abstract
Background :High plasma levels of coagulation factor VII (FVII) are associated with a risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). Plasma FVII levels are influenced by environmental and genetic factors. We investigated whether the risk of CAD is associated with R353Q polymorphism and whether this polymorphism is associated with factor VII activity. Method :We analysed plasma levels of FVII:C and FVII genotype for R353Q polymorphism in 85 CAD patients, 63 healthy controls, and 27 patient controls. Total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride were also measured in the same study population. Result :There were no differences among CAD patients, healthy, and patient controls in plasma levels of FVII:C. Allele Q of the R353Q polymorphism was less frequent in CAD patients (11.8%) than healthy controls (17.5%), although the difference was not statistically significant. Patients with the RQ genotype had a decreased risk of CAD (odds ratio, 0.29). There was no association between R353Q polymorphism and plasma levels of FVII:C. Plasma levels of FVII:C were positively correlated with total cholesterol and triglyceride. Conclusion :Our findings suggest that R353Q polymorphism may confer significant protection from CAD and that plasma levels of FVII:C may be influenced by total cholesterol and triglyceride.