Related Experiment Videos
Relationship among Lewis phenotype, clotting factors, and other cardiovascular risk factors in young adults
1Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL.
Insights
The Lewis blood group phenotype Le(a-b-) may indicate a higher risk of ischemic heart disease, particularly in men with blood groups A, B, or AB. This is linked to elevated levels of factor VIII and von Willebrand factor.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Epidemiology
- Hematology
- Genetics
Background:
- Previous studies suggest an association between the Lewis blood group phenotype Le(a-b-) and increased risk of ischemic heart disease in men.
- The Lewis phenotype is determined by specific glycosyltransferase genes and influences the expression of certain antigens on red blood cells and epithelial cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between Lewis blood group phenotypes and various cardiovascular risk factors.
- To identify potential interactions between Lewis phenotype, ABO blood groups, and hemostatic factors in a large cohort.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from 1714 participants in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study.
- Assessment of Lewis phenotypes (Le(a-b-), Le(a+b-), Le(a-b+)) and ABO blood groups.
- Measurement of cardiovascular risk factors including body mass index, lipid levels, blood pressure, and clotting factors (VII, fibrinogen, VIII, von Willebrand factor).
Main Results:
- No significant differences in body mass index, lipids, blood pressure, or clotting factors VII and fibrinogen were observed across Lewis phenotypes.
- White men with the Le(a-b-) phenotype and blood groups A, B, or AB showed significantly higher levels of factor VIII and von Willebrand factor.
- A significant interaction between ABO blood group and Lewis phenotype was found concerning factor VIII levels, with similar trends observed in black men and women.
Conclusions:
- The Le(a-b-) phenotype, in conjunction with ABO blood groups A, B, or AB, may serve as a risk marker for atherothrombotic disease.
- Elevated levels of factor VIII and von Willebrand factor associated with this phenotype combination could contribute to increased cardiovascular risk.
Abstract:
An increased risk of ischemic heart disease has been reported in men with the Lewis blood group phenotype Le(a-b-). We have investigated the relationship between Lewis phenotype and cardiovascular risk factors in 1714 participants in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study, an ongoing investigation on life-styles and evolution of cardiovascular risk factors. No significant differences were observed among Lewis phenotypes for body mass index, blood lipid levels, blood pressure, or clotting factors VII and fibrinogen. However, in white men with blood groups A, B, or AB, and the Le(a-b-) phenotype, significantly higher levels of factor VIII (p < 0.01) and von Willebrand factor (p < 0.03) were observed than in those with other Lewis phenotypes (Le[a+b-] or Le[a-b+]). Two-way analysis of variance indicated a significant interaction between blood group and Lewis phenotype (p = 0.0053) in terms of relationship to factor VIII. A similar trend was observed in black men with blood type A, B, or AB, and phenotype Le(a-b-) for factor VII/von Willebrand factor and in women with blood type A, B, or AB, and phenotype Le(a-b-) for factor VIII. Our data suggest that the Le(a-b-) phenotype and blood groups A, B, and AB, by virtue of their association with raised levels of factor VIII and von Willebrand factor, may be risk markers for future atherothrombotic disease.