Factor VII gene polymorphisms, factor VII:C levels and features of insulin resistance in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

The macrovascular complications of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) are related to the features of insulin resistance (IR). High Factor VII:C (FVII:C) levels are associated with increased cardiovascular risk and relate to a base change in the FVII gene detected by Msp I endonuclease, and also to an insertion polymorphism in the promoter region. To examine the association between FVII:C levels, genotype and features of IR, 95 NIDDM patients were studied. Genotype was related to FVII:C levels (M1M1 137%, n = 75; M1M2 and M2M2 114%, n = 20, p < 0.005; AA 136%, n = 71; Aa 119%, n = 21, p < 0.05), which is consistent with previous studies in healthy populations. FVII:C correlated with cholesterol (r = 0.51, p < 0.0005), insulin (r = 0.36, p = 0.002), triglycerides (r = 0.34, p = 0.001), age (r = 0.23, p < 0.005) and body mass index (r = 0.23, p < 0.05). When analysed by Msp I genotype, the stronger predictor of FVII:C levels, these correlations remained, with no difference in regression slopes. In a multiple regression model, genotype, cholesterol, insulin, and gender remained as independent predictors of FVII:C levels. In conclusion, FVII:C concentrations are elevated in NIDDM in relation to both FVII genotypes and features of IR.