Coagulation factor XIII A and B subunits in bone marrow and liver transplantation

The polymorphism of the coagulation factor XIIIA and B subunits was determined before and after bone marrow or liver transplantation. It could be shown that the FXIIIA phenotype of the recipient was replaced by donor phenotype after bone marrow transplantation, whereas the phenotype of FXIIIB remained of recipient origin. In contrast, the FXIIIB phenotype changed to donor type after orthotopic liver transplantation but not the FXIIIA phenotype. The results indicate that the FXIIIA protein is produced in hemopoiesis, most likely in megakaryocytes and FXIIIB protein in the liver. Depending on the site of synthesis, FXIII alleles can be used as a marker in engraftment of FXIIIA-incompatible bone marrow transplantation or as a marker in FXIIIB-incompatible orthotopic liver transplantation.