Summary
Genetic susceptibility is considered as a crucial factor for the development of venous
thromboembolism (VTE). Epidemiologic and genetic studies have revealed clear disparities
in the incidence of VTE and the distribution of genetic factors for VTE in populations
stratified by ethnicity worldwide. While gain-of-function polymorphisms in the procoagulant
genes are common inherited factors in European-origin populations, the most prevalent
molecular basis for venous thrombosis in Asians is confirmed to be dysfunctional variants
in the anticoagulant genes. With the breakthrough of genomic technologies, a set of
novel common alleles and rare mutations associated with VTE have also been identified,
in different ethnic groups. Several putative pathways contributing to the pathogenesis
of thrombophilia in populations of African-ancestry are largely unknown, as current
knowledge of hereditary and acquired risk factors do not fully explain the highest
risk of VTE in Black groups. In-depth studies across diverse ethnic populations are
needed to unravel the whole genetics of VTE, which will help developing individual
risk prediction models and strategies to minimise VTE in all populations.
Keywords
Ethnic - genetics - thrombosis - variant - venous thromboembolism