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Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Measurement of Factor V Activity in Human Plasma Using a Microplate Coagulation Assay
Published on: September 9, 2012
Circulating microparticles are elevated in carriers of factor V Leiden
Anoop K Enjeti1, Lisa F Lincz, Fiona E Scorgie
1Hunter Haematology Research Group, Calvary Mater Newcastle, Edith Street, Waratah, NSW 2298, Australia. Anoop.Enjeti@mater.health.nsw.gov.au
Introduction:
Microparticles (MP) are small membrane bound cellular particles that play an important role in thrombosis. This study was carried out to evaluate if increased numbers or procoagulant potential of circulating MP contribute to the heterogeneity in occurrence of thrombosis in heterozygotes carrying Factor V Leiden (FVL) mutation.
Methods:
Levels of circulating platelet (CD41a), endothelial (CD62e) as well as leukocyte (CD45) derived MP from 45 FVL heterozygous individuals were enumerated by flow cytometry and compared with normal controls. Functional studies included enzyme linked immunoassay based prothrombinase activity (ELISA) and modified dilute Russell Viper venom test (DRVVT).
Results:
Circulating MP were significantly higher in the FVL cohort compared to the controls (median=2100 vs. 1508 MP/microl, respectively p=0.0021).All subsets of MP (platelet, endothelial and leukocyte) were significantly elevated in the FVL group, the most striking disparity seen in the number of CD45 positive leukocyte MP. Despite the differences in the number of MP between the controls and FVL cohorts, there was no significant difference in the prothrombinase activity recorded by the ELISA (2.0 vs 2.4 PS equivalents; p=0.7374) or clotting time assessed by the DRVVT (47 vs 46 sec, p=0.8118). When the FVL cohort was considered alone there was no significant difference in MP parameters between FVL subjects with or without a history of thrombosis.
Conclusions:
This is the first study on circulating MP levels in subjects who are heterozygote for factor V Leiden. We report that circulating platelet and leukocyte MP are elevated in carriers of this mutation and may be important contributors to risk of thrombosis.
Insights
Elevated microparticles (MPs), particularly from leukocytes, are found in Factor V Leiden mutation carriers. These increased MPs may contribute to thrombosis risk in heterozygotes.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Thrombosis Research
- Molecular Genetics
Background:
- Microparticles (MPs) are cell-derived fragments implicated in thrombosis.
- Factor V Leiden (FVL) mutation heterozygotes exhibit variable thrombosis risk.
- The role of circulating MPs in FVL heterozygote thrombosis remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if elevated circulating microparticle numbers or procoagulant potential contribute to thrombosis risk in Factor V Leiden heterozygotes.
Main Methods:
- Enumerated circulating platelet, endothelial, and leukocyte MPs via flow cytometry in 45 FVL heterozygotes and controls.
- Assessed procoagulant potential using enzyme-linked immunoassay for prothrombinase activity and dilute Russell Viper venom test.
Main Results:
- FVL heterozygotes showed significantly higher levels of circulating MPs compared to controls (p=0.0021).
- All MP subsets, especially leukocyte-derived MPs (CD45+), were elevated in the FVL group.
- No significant difference in prothrombinase activity or clotting time was observed between groups; MP levels did not correlate with thrombosis history within the FVL cohort.
Conclusions:
- Circulating platelet and leukocyte microparticles are elevated in Factor V Leiden heterozygotes.
- These elevated MPs may be significant contributors to thrombosis risk in carriers of the FVL mutation.
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