Functional polymorphisms in the LDLR and pharmacokinetics of Factor VIII concentrates

Optimization of factor VIII (FVIII) infusion in hemophilia A would benefit from identification of FVIII pharmacokinetics (PK) determinants. The low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) contains an FVIII-binding site and might influence FVIII clearance. Consistently, LDLR polymorphisms have been associated with FVIII levels.

To investigate the relationships between individual FVIII PK and functional LDLR polymorphisms.

Thirty-three hemophilia A patients (FVIII coagulant activity [FVIII:C] ≤2 IU/dL) without inhibitors underwent 85 FVIII single-dose (21.4-51.8 IU/kg) PKs with different FVIII concentrates. Twenty patients underwent repeated PKs (2-6).

C measured up to 72 hours was analyzed by two-compartment model. Parameters were evaluated in relation to F8 mutations, ABO blood-group and LDLR genotypes.

F8 mutation types were not associated with PK parameters. ABO and LDLR c.1773C/T polymorphism were associated with Alpha, Alpha HL, CLD2, K1-2, and K2-1 parameters, suggesting an influence on the FVIII initial distribution phase. Regression analysis showed an independent association of both ABO and LDLR c.1773C/T with PK parameters (Alpha, β-coefficient -0.311 vs 0.348; CLD2, β-coefficient -0.335 vs 0.318), giving rise to an additive effect in subjects stratified by combined phenotypes. Differently, the LDLR c.81C/T was associated with FVIII clearance and volume of distribution at steady state, which could be related to distinct effects of polymorphisms, potentially linked to LDLR intracellular distribution and FVIII binding behavior.

With the limitation of different FVIII concentrates and low number of patients, our data show plausible associations of LDLR polymorphisms with FVIII PK parameters, thus supporting their investigation as candidate functional determinants of FVIII PK.