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Experimental and Imaging Techniques for Examining Fibrin Clot Structures in Normal and Diseased States
Published on: April 1, 2015
Fibrinogen polymorphisms and atherothrombotic disease
1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford, Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom. fionag@well.ox.ac.uk
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|July 20, 2001
Summary
Common gene variations in fibrinogen impact blood levels and increase the risk of atherothrombotic disease. A specific beta-fibrinogen haplotype (-455A allele) is linked to higher fibrinogen and greater disease risk in Caucasians.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Cardiovascular Disease
- Molecular Biology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Common polymorphisms in the fibrinogen gene cluster influence fibrinogen levels.
- These variations are linked to susceptibility and severity of atherothrombotic diseases.
- Fibrinogen gene frequencies differ across ethnic groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between beta-fibrinogen gene haplotypes and atherothrombotic disease risk.
- To identify specific alleles contributing to elevated fibrinogen levels.
- To explore the underlying molecular mechanisms of these associations.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of common beta-fibrinogen gene haplotypes in Caucasian populations.
- Association studies correlating specific haplotypes with circulating fibrinogen levels.
- Investigation of the beta-fibrinogen -455A allele and its impact.
Main Results:
- Strong linkage disequilibrium at the beta-fibrinogen locus results in four common haplotypes in Caucasians.
- The beta-fibrinogen -455A allele haplotype is associated with elevated fibrinogen levels.
- This specific haplotype is linked to an increased risk of atherothrombotic disease.
Conclusions:
- The beta-fibrinogen -455A allele is a significant genetic marker for elevated fibrinogen and atherothrombotic disease risk.
- Understanding these genetic associations is crucial for risk stratification.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved.
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