Factor XIII Val34Leu polymorphism is associated with increased factor XIII activation and decreased transcutaneous oxygen readings in patients with diabetic foot ulcers.

Diabet. Med. 29, 1596–1599 (2012) Abstract Aim  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 2 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 χ2-test where appropriate. A P-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results  The 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 (r2 = −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.