Carriership of Factor V Leiden and Evolutionary Selection Advantage

Authors: Lindqvist, Pelle G.; Dahlback, Bjorn

Source: Current Medicinal Chemistry, Volume 15, Number 15, June 2008 , pp. 1541-1544(4)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

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Abstract:

Historically, lethal exsanguinations and severe infections have been two major causes of maternal death. Gene mutations that lower the risk of profuse hemorrhage or severe infections would give a survival advantage. A single mutation of coagulation factor V, known as FV Leiden (FVL), can be such a beneficial mutation. FVL is common among Caucasians and today confers an increased risk of thromboembolism. However, the high prevalence of FVL (up to 15%) in the general population suggests that it has given an evolutionary advantage. In this review, we discuss possible mechanisms of the evolutionary survival advantage associated with FVL. In women, FVL confers lower risk of blood loss and profuse hemorrhage in association with delivery and improves the hemoglobin status. In addition, FVL carriers possibly have a survival advantage during sepsis. In conclusion, the high prevalence of FVL may be the result of one or more evolutionary selection advantages.

Keywords: Coagulation factor V Leiden; selective advantage; profuse blood loss; anemia; sepsis

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/092986708784638852

Affiliations: 1: Dept Obstetrics and Gynecology, Malmo University Hospital, MAS, 20502 Malmo, Sweden.

Publication date: 2008-06-01

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Current Medicinal Chemistry covers all the latest and outstanding developments in medicinal chemistry and rational drug design. Each issue contains a series of timely in-depth reviews written by leaders in the field covering a range of the current topics in medicinal chemistry. Current Medicinal Chemistry is an essential journal for every medicinal chemist who wishes to be kept informed and up-to-date with the latest and most important developments.