J. Rosing et al., Molecular biology and pathophysiology of APC resistance: Current insights and clinical implications, SEM THROMB, 24(4), 1998, pp. 329-335
APC resistance is often associated with the occurrence of a single point mu
tation in factor V (factor V-Leiden) at a predominant cleavage site for the
natural anticoagulant, activated protein C (APC), In this article we will
discuss the effects of this mutation (Arg(506)-->Gln) on the down-regulatio
n of factor Va cofactor activity and on thrombin formation by APC in model
systems and in plasma. Our studies on the effects of APC on thrombin format
ion in plasma resulted in the development of a new method for the screening
of APC resistance that is based on measurement of the effect of APC on the
endogenous thrombin potential (the time integral of thrombin generated in
clotting plasma). It appeared that sensitivities for APC determined via thi
s method were considerably affected by the use of oral contraceptives (OC)
and that women who use OC become acquired APC resistant. The fact that acqu
ired APC resistance in women who use third-generation OC was more pronounce
d than in users of second-generation OC may explain the further increased r
isk for venous thrombosis associated with the use of third-generation OC.