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April 07, 2008

New Service Announcement
 

 

 

plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) 4G/5g polymorphism

The Coagulation and Molecular Immunodiagnostics Laboratory of ITxM Diagnostics is pleased to offer a genetic assay for the detection of PAI-1 4G/5G Polymorphism

 

BACKGROUND

The type 1 plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) is a primary regulator of the fibrinolytic system in vivo.  PAI-1 binds to tissue plasminogen activator and inhibits plasminogen activation, which decreases fibrinolysis.  A single guanosine insertion/deletion (4G or 5G) 675 base pairs from the start site of the genes promoter region affects an individual’s predisposition for thrombosis.  Studies have shown a correlation between PAI-1 levels in plasma and the 4G/5G polymorphism.  Subjects with the 4G/4G genotype have plasma PAI-1 concentrations that are 25% higher than those with the 5G/5G genotype.  Increased PAI activity may be associated with increased risk for venous thrombosis and myocardial infarction.  The prevalence of the 4G/4G genotype in the normal population is 26%.

 

METHODS

Lymphocytes are processed to extract DNA.  Third Wave Technologies’ Invader assay is used to genotype the target DNA.  Briefly, two specific oligonucleotide probes and controls hybridize in tandem to a specific region of the gene encoding the mutation site.  Cleavase III enzyme cleaves at a specific invasive structure generated within the probe oligonucleotides creating products.  These sequential cleavage reactions produce 1-10 million fluorescein labeled products per target sequence hour.  This results in the accumulation of a signal molecule only when the specific target DNA or control sequence is present.  A fluorescent multiwell plate reader is used to quantitate signal amplification for interpretation of genotype.  Homozygosity for the 4G polymorphism is associated with increased thrombotic risk.

 

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

In population studies, a family history of ischemic coronary events is a major predictor of coronary artery disease (1).  In addition, several twin studies have shown a strong genetic component in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular ischemia (2).  These findings support the hypothesis that genetic factors play a significant role in MI and vascular risk factors (3).  Impaired fibrinolysis is related to raised plasma levels of PAI and has been documented in subjects who develop MI.  Recently increased PAI plasma levels have been shown to be related to a single base pair guanine deletion/insertion (4G/5G) polymorphism (4).  Subjects with the 4G homozygous genotype have plasma PAI concentrations that are 25% higher than those with the 5G homozygous genotype.  There is substantial evidence reported in the literature to support that carrier status of the 4G polymorphism with increased PAI levels is an independent risk factor for coronary events.  It is recommended that the PAI 4G/5G genetic assay be used in the following situations: 

Ø       Patients presenting with family histories of early heart disease and stroke

Ø       Patients with coronary heart disease

Ø       Patients undergoing vascular surgery

Ø       Pregnant women with past complications during pregnancy.

Ø       Select cases of patients with family history of venous thrombosis

 

SPECIMEN REQUIREMENTS

In order to assure the accuracy of our test results, the PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism assay must be performed on whole blood .

1.   Blood must be collected in one (1) yellow top tube (ACD).   DO NOT centrifuge the specimen and DO NOT separate plasma.

2.   Ship sample at room temperature.

3.   Specimen must be received within 72 hours of collection.

4.       We request that a completed Genetic Consent Form accompany the specimen.

 

TEST INFORMATION

The PAI-1 4G/5G Polymorphism testing fee is $180.25.

 

TEST CODE:  5620      CPT CODES:  83891  83892x2  83896x2  83903x2  83912

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by ITxM Diagnostics.  It has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.  This test is used for clinical purposes and should not be regarded as investigational or for research use.  This laboratory is certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) as qualified to perform high complexity clinical testing.

 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT 412-209-7270  OR  1-800-967-9672

 

REFERENCES 

  1. Margaglione, M.; Cappucci, G., Colaizzo, D., Giuliani, N., Vecchione, G., Grandone, E., Pennelli, O.; DiMinno, G., The PAI-1 Gene Locus 4G/5G Polymorphism Is Associated with a Family History of Coronary Artery Disease.  Arterios.Thromb. Biol, 18: 152-156, 1998.
  2. Glueck, G.J., Phillips, H., Cemaron, D., et.al., and The 4G/4G polymorphism of the hypofibrinolytic plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 gene: an independent risk factor for serious pregnancy complications.  Metabolism  49: 845-852, 2000.
  3. Anvari, A., Schuster, E., Gottsauner-Wolf, M., et.al., PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism and sudden cardiac death in patients with coronary artery disease.  Thromb. Res. 103: 103-107, 2001.

4.    Francis, C.F.  Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 Levels and Polymorphisms.  Association with Venous      Thromboembolism.  Arch. Pathol Lab Med. 126:  1401-1404, 2002  

 

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