Blood coagulation and fibrinolysis in relation to ABO, Rh, MN and Duffy blood groups in a random population sample of men aged 54 years

Abstract

In order to study possible genetic determinants of blood coagulation and fibrinolysis the variables were subdivided according to ABO, Rh, MN and Duffy blood groups in 786 men 54 years old. Factor VIII was found to be lower in blood group 0 than in A and B. Analysis of variance showed a significant difference in PTT (partial thromboplastin time) carried out in silicone tubes among the AB0 groups. The longest clotting time was found in blood group 0. Factor II-VII-X was found to be higher in blood group A than in B and AB while an intermediate value was seen in group 0. Fibrinolytic activity also varied significantly in the AB0 system, but no significant contrast between pairs was found. Fibrinogen values varied significantly within the Rh groups. Variables reflecting body build, lung function, blood pressure, blood sugar, SGOT and smoking were not different in the blood groups. Serum cholesterol varied significantly in the Rh system, but not in the AB0 system (although there was a tendency for higher values in groups A and AB than in 0 and B). Serum alkaline phosphatase varied significantly in the AB0 system but not in the Rh system. It is concluded that the differences in blood clotting and fibrinolysis between the blood groups are not dependent on the previously observed correlations with the above listed variables (body build etc.). The results are discussed in relation to the varying frequency of thrombotic disease in the AB0 blood groups.