Intron F G79a polymorphism of the protein Z gene in cancer patients with and without thrombosis

Abstract

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is well-recognized complication of cancer; however its pathogenesis is not entirely established. Protein Z (PZ) is a member of the coagulation cascade. We aimed to investigate whether intron F G79A polymorphism of PZ gene is associated with risk of VTE in cancer patients. The study consisted of 55 cancer patients who developed thrombosis (group 1) and 115 cancer patients without VTE (group 2). Intron F G79A of PZ gene, factor V Leiden (FVL) and prothrombin (PT) G20210A polymorphisms were determined by the method of polymerase chain reaction-based DNA analysis. The prevalence of FVL was significantly greater in group 1 compared with group 2 (27.3% vs. 3.5%, P < 0.0001). No differences were seen in genotype and allele frequencies of PZ gene between two groups (P > 0.05). When the analysis was also made after excluding FVL positive patients, the same insignificant result was found. Intron F G79A polymorphism of PZ gene does not contribute to meaningful diagnostic investigation of thrombophilia in cancer patients.