Novel single nucleotide mutations in exon-10 of human coagulation Factor V gene in patients with pulmonary thromboembolism

Introduction: Acute pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) presents with wide spectrum and has variable prognosis. Factor V Leiden (FVL) is the most common inherited thrombophilia, with a prevalence of 3%-7% in the general US population, approximately 5% in Whites, 2.2% in Hispanics and 1.2% in Blacks. PTE most commonly originates from venous thrombosis. The occurrence of venous thromboembolism is a culmination of environmental and genetic risk factors. The current study was sought to identify the mutations in exon-10 of FV gene in patients with PTE. Methods: Sixty cases diagnosed with PTE and 50 healthy controls were enrolled in the present study. Mutation studies in exon-10 of Factor V gene included PCR-DNA sequencing method. Results: Of 60 patients, we found two novel transition type point mutations: c.1538 G>A and c.1601 G>A in exon-10 of Factor V which is responsible for the cleavage site for aPC. These point mutations resulted in single amino acid change in protein sequence at p.Arg513Lys and p.Arg534Gln respectively. These mutations prevent efficient inactivation of Factor V and Factor V remains active which facilitates over production of thrombin leading to generation of excess fibrin and excess coagulation which results in deep vein thrombosis and PTE. Conclusion: We report two novel point mutations (c.1538 G>A and c.1601 G>A) in exon-10 of Factor V gene in Indian patients with PTE.