title: Factor XIII Val34Leu polymorphism is associated with increased factor XIII activation and decreased transcutaneous oxygen readings in patients with diabetic foot ulcers.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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.
authors.affiliation: Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University of Tübingen            Hertie Institute for Genetic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Küper
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Schüle
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mayer
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Königsrainer
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Beckert
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005176:Factor XIII / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000235:genetics*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D012307:Risk Factors; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply*; D014633:Valine / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D005176:Factor XIII; D014633:Valine