The Factor V G1691A, Factor V H1299R, prothrombin G20210A polymorphisms in children with family history of premature coronary artery disease

Abstract

Atherosclerosis, the major cause of coronary artery disease (CAD), has a very long asymptomatic development phase, which begins in childhood. In this study, we describe the Factor V G1691A, Factor V H1299R and prothrombin G20210A gene polymorphisms in children with a family history of premature CAD. Evidence of these polymorphisms in these children may predict the probability of having atherosclerosis in the future. Our study included a total of 140 children, 72 males and 68 females between the ages of 4.9 and 15.7 years. Among these children, 73 had a parental history of premature CAD and the remaining 67 belonged to our control group. The participants were screened for the mutations Factor V G1691A, Factor V H1299R and prothrombin G20210A by polymerase chain reaction amplified DNA products with specific oligonucleotide probes. Our results suggested that frequencies of the mutated allele of Factor V G1691A and prothrombin G20210A are higher in children with a parental history of premature CAD. In conclusion, Factor V G1691A and prothrombin G20210A polymorphisms which were detected in higher frequencies in children with a parental history of premature CAD may indicate a risk for developing atherosclerosis and might be useful in screening for CAD in children; however, large population-based research is necessary to investigate further genetic risk assessment for CAD.