Summary
Histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) is a non-enzymatic glycoprotein that acts as a modulator
of several plasma proteins involved in coagulation and fibrinolysis. The contributions
of genetic and environmental influences to inter-individual variation in plasma levels
of HRG were studied in 160 Dutch families consisting of adolescent twin pairs and
their parents. Results showed that 69% of the variance in plasma HRG concentrations
could be accounted for by genetic factors. Heritability was the same in males and
females and in parents and their offspring. There was no association between HRG levels
of husband and wife and no evidence was found for the influence of shared family environment
on the resemblance between relatives.
