PAI-1 4G-4G, MTHFR 677TT, V Leiden 506Q, and Prothrombin 20210A in Splanchnic Vein Thrombosis: Analysis of Individual Patient Data From Three Prospective Studies

Portal Vein Thrombosis in the Setting of Cirrhosis: A Comprehensive Review

Portal vein thrombosis constitutes the most common thrombotic event in patients with cirrhosis, with increased rates in the setting of advanced liver disease. Despite being a well-known complication of cirrhosis, the contribution of portal vein thrombosis to hepatic decompensation and overall mortality is still a matter of debate. The incorporation of direct oral anticoagulants and new radiological techniques for portal vein recanalization have expanded our therapeutic arsenal. However, the lack of large prospective observational studies and randomized trials explain the heterogenous diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations of current guidelines. This article seeks to make a comprehensive review of the pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of portal vein thrombosis in patients with cirrhosis.

Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 4G/5G Promoter Polymorphism in Adults with Splanchnic Vein Thrombosis: A Case-Control Study

The role of PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism in venous thrombosis is unclear. PAI-1 4G/4G genotype is associated with elevated levels of PAI-1 resulting in a hypofibrinolytic state and hence increased thrombotic risk. In this study, we assessed the role of PAI-1 4G/5G promoter polymorphism in adult patients with splanchnic vein thrombosis. A total of 40 cases (portal vein thrombosis and Budd-Chiari syndrome) and 40 healthy controls were evaluated for the PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism by amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction along with thrombophilia workup. The frequency of PAI-1 4G/4G homozygous, 4G/5G heterozygous and 5G/5G homozygous genotypes were 17.5%, 42.5% and 40%, respectively among cases and 22.5%, 50% and 27.5%, respectively among controls and the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.61). The  PAI-1 4G/4G genotype was significantly associated with the cases with deranged thrombophilic risk factor (both inherited and acquired) (p = 0.02).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12288-021-01454-5.

Combined Effect of MTHFR C677T and PAI-1 4G/5G Polymorphisms on the Risk of Venous Thromboembolism in Chinese Lung Cancer Patients

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common and potentially fatal complication in cancer patients. Although several genetic risk factors related to thrombophilia have been identified, their contributions for the occurrence of VTE in cancer patients have conflicting results. The aim of this study was to evaluated the gene polymorphisms of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) 4G/5G in lung cancer patients, with and without VTE, and the combined effect on the risk of VTE. 92 lung cancer patients diagnosed with VTE (VTE group) and 122 lung cancer patients without VTE (non-VTE group) were enrolled in the study. The gene polymorphisms were analyzed by the method of polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Gene mutation of factor V Leiden was not detected both in non-VTE group and VTE group. The frequency of MTHFR C677T homozygous mutation in VTE group was 25.00%, higher than that in the non-VTE group without statistical difference. It was found that the PAI-1 4G4G genotype is associated with a higher risk of VTE (OR: 2.62, 95%CI: 1.19-5.75). Interestingly, the interaction between MTHFR C677T and PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphisms showed that the coexistence of the 2 homozygous mutation could further increase the risk of VTE. In conclusion, PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism may be an increased risk factor for VTE among lung cancer patients in Chinese population. The homozygous MTHFR C677T mutation may be not a risk factor for VTE but increases the risk, accompanied with PAI-1 4G5G genotype.

Portal Thrombosis in Cirrhosis: Role of Thrombophilic Disorders

In patients with liver cirrhosis the contribution of inherited and acquired prothrombotic disorders in the development of non-malignant portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is inconclusive. The purpose of this retrospective study was to examine the prevalence of thrombophilia in this setting at our center from January 2012 to November 2019. Tests included gene mutational analysis for Factor V Leiden, prothrombin G20210A, JAK2 (V617F), Calreticulin (CARL), in addition to activated protein C resistance, antithrombin III, protein C and S levels, and antiphospholipid antibodies. We included 77 patients, six of whom (7.8%) had a thrombophilic disorder: antiphospholipid syndrome in four patients, prothrombin gene mutation in one and factor V Leiden mutation in one. This latter patient had also been diagnosed with polycythemia vera years before PVT development. Complete thrombosis of the main portal vein and re-thrombosis after stopping anticoagulation were more frequent in patients with thrombophilia, but the rates of recanalization under anticoagulant therapy were similar among groups. No other difference was accounted between groups. The low prevalence of acquired and inherited thrombophilia found in patients with cirrhosis and PVT support testing for these disorders on an individual basis and avoiding universal screening to reduce costs and unwarranted testing.

Congenital Thrombophilia in Patients With Superior Mesenteric Venous Thrombosis or Portal Vein Thrombosis

We explored the relationship between abdominal vein thromboses, including portal vein thrombosis (PVT) and superior mesenteric vein thrombosis (SMVT), and thrombophilia. The frequency of thrombophilia, such as antithrombin (AT), protein C (PC), or protein S (PS) gene mutations, was examined in 21 patients with PVT, 6 patients with SMVT, and 6 patients with both PVT and SMVT. Low levels of AT, PC, or PS were frequently detected in patients with PVT or mesenteric vein thrombosis, and 4 mutations in the PS gene, 3 mutations in the PC gene, and 2 mutations in AT the gene were detected. Protein S Tokushima was detected in 3 of 4 patients with a PS gene mutation and was associated with 2 other PS gene mutations. The onset of PVT or SMVT was almost idiopathic in patients with congenital thrombophilia. Both PVT and SMVT were frequently caused by an AT, a PC, or a PS mutation, and the onset of these thromboses due to thrombophilia was frequently idiopathic.