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Abstract

Fibrinogen and Factor VII in the Cardiovascular Risk Factor Profile by Giovanni Di Minno, Elvira Grandone, Maurizio Margaglione

High plasma levels of fibrinogen and factor VII help to predict major ischemic complications of atherosclerosis, stroke and myocardial infarction. Reliable clotting methods are available as well as reproducible tests for employment in epidemiological studies aimed at evaluating the cardiovascular risk associated with fibrinogen and/or factor VII. Molecular variations at the fîbrinogen and factor VII gene loci have helped to clarify the mechanisms through which some environmental factors are involved in the regulation of the plasma leyels of these proteins. At present, however, genetic tests that evaluate these variations cannot replace clotting methods for measuring the risk associated with fibrinogen or factor VII. In contrast, in several clinical settings they may help to gain information over or above the measurement of the hemostatic variable. They may identify the individuals (genotypes) associated with the highest fluctuations of these clotting proteins. Moreover, genetic tests performed in youth may identify subjects at risk for future ischemic events, regardless of the effect of environmental factors.

DOI: Clin. Lab. 1999:45:377-385