The Prevalence of β-Fibrinogen -455G/A Variant among Young Stroke Patients in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Stroke in young adults (< 50 years) is an emerging public health concern, with both environmental and genetic factors contributing to its pathogenesis. Stroke is the second most common cause of death in the world. A stroke can be caused by a blood clot in the brain, causing brain damage that leads to disabilities, diminishing the patient’s quality of life. The incidence of stroke in young patients is increasing in globaland Sri Lankan populations, making young stroke a common diagnosis. A patient’s genetic makeup can make them more susceptible to stroke, as the level of fibrinogen in the blood rises, increasing the risk of ischemic stroke. The β-fibrinogen gene (FGB), particularly the -455G/A promoter polymorphism, has been implicated in increased plasma fibrinogen levels, thereby enhancing thrombotic risk. This study investigates the prevalence of the β-fibrinogen -455G/A variant among young stroke patients in Sri Lanka and its potential association with ischemic stroke. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples using the Qiagen QIAamp DNA Blood Mini Kit. The DNA was amplified using PCR then Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) was carried out using Hae III restriction enzyme. The digested products were analysed using gel electrophoresis. Allele frequencies were calculated; the Wildtype allele (p) was 0.82, and the Mutant allele (q) was 0.18, and aligned with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. These allele frequencies were compared to similar studies to conclude that there was a significant prevalence of the mutant allele in young stroke patients in the Sri Lankan population. The mutant allele in this polymorphism has been associated with an increased plasma fibrinogen level. This variation can be identified as a potential risk factor for stroke in young patients in Sri Lanka.