Factor XIII Val34Leu polymorphism is associated with increased factor XIII activation and decreased transcutaneous oxygen readings in patients with diabetic foot ulcers.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To investigate the relationship between the factor XIII Val34Leu polymorphism, plasma factor XIII activation and transcutaneous oxygen readings in patients with diabetic foot ulcers. Methods Ninety-two consecutive patients with Type diabetes and active foot ulcers were investigated. Plasma factor XIII activation was assessed by ELISA. Genetic polymorphism was detected using the ABI PRISM® SNaPshotTM Multiplex Kit. Results are expressed as median (minimum-maximum). Differences between groups were calculated by Mann-Whitney U-test or χ(2) -test where appropriate. A P-value < .05 was considered significant. RESULTS: e Val34Leu polymorphism was found in 50 subjects (54%) with 42 being heterozygous (Val/Leu) and eight being homozygous (Leu/Leu). The rate of plasma factor XIII activation was increased in patients with Val/Leu or Leu/Leu [Val/Leu or Leu/Leu 152 (55-283) % vs. Val/Val 103 (33-282) %; P < 0.0001]. Transcutaneous oxygen readings were lower in the Val/Leu or Leu/Leu group [Val/Leu or Leu/Leu 16 (0-58) mmHg vs. Val/Val 35 (1-65) mmHg; P = 0.008]. Similarly, plasma factor XIII activation negatively correlated with transcutaneous oxygen readings (r(2) = -0.314; P = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: Val34Leu polymorphism is associated with increased plasma factor XIII activation and seems to be linked with impaired cutaneous microcirculation in patients with diabetic foot ulcers.