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Updated: May 6, 2026

Measurement of Factor V Activity in Human Plasma Using a Microplate Coagulation Assay
13:08

Measurement of Factor V Activity in Human Plasma Using a Microplate Coagulation Assay

Published on: September 9, 2012

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Factor V Leiden polymorphism and the rate of fibrosis development in chronic hepatitis C virus infection

M Wright1, R Goldin, S Hellier

  • 1Hepatology Section, Division of Medicine A, Imperial College School of Medicine at St Mary's Hospital, Praed St, London W2 1NY, UK. mark.wright@ic.ac.uk

Gut
|July 17, 2003
PubMed

Insights

The factor V Leiden gene variant accelerates hepatitis C virus (HCV) liver disease progression to cirrhosis. This genetic factor significantly increases the risk of rapid fibrosis development in HCV patients.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Genetics
  • Coagulation Science

Background:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection progression to cirrhosis varies significantly among individuals.
  • Coagulation pathway activation in hepatic fibrosis models suggests genetic variations may influence fibrosis rates.
  • Hypothesis: Coagulation factor II and V gene polymorphisms impact HCV-related cirrhosis progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between coagulation factor gene polymorphisms and the rate of liver fibrosis progression in HCV patients.
  • To determine if factor II and factor V genotypes influence the speed at which HCV infection leads to cirrhosis.

Main Methods:

  • Studied 352 White European patients with HCV.
  • Calculated fibrosis rate by dividing fibrosis stage by infection duration.
  • Genotyped coagulation factors II and V using reverse line blot hybridization.

Main Results:

  • Factor V Leiden genotype (Arg560Gln) was associated with a significantly higher rate of fibrosis (p=0.004).
  • Individuals heterozygous for factor V Leiden showed a 3.28-fold increased odds of rapid cirrhosis progression (expected <30 years).
  • No significant association was found between factor II genotype and fibrosis rate.

Conclusions:

  • The factor V Leiden polymorphism is a significant risk factor for accelerated liver disease progression in HCV.
  • Findings suggest a role for the coagulation system in the pathogenesis of HCV-induced liver fibrosis.
  • Genetic variations in coagulation factors can influence the clinical course of chronic hepatitis C.
Abstract

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