What is the Difference Between Factor V and Factor V Leiden?

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Factor V and Factor V Leiden are actually referring to the same thing: a specific gene mutation that results in thrombophilia, which is an increased tendency to form abnormal blood clots that can block blood vessels. Factor V Leiden is the name of the mutation found in the F5 gene, which controls the production of a protein called factor V.

Factor V is involved in the blood clotting process, and the Factor V Leiden mutation causes the factor V protein to resist the actions of other proteins (protein C and protein S) that normally inactivate factor V when needed to prevent excessive clotting. This results in the blood clotting more easily, which can lead to serious complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).

So, there is no difference between Factor V and Factor V Leiden. They both refer to the same genetic mutation in the F5 gene that increases the risk of developing abnormal blood clots.

Comparative Table: Factor V vs Factor V Leiden

Factor V and Factor V Leiden are both related to blood clotting, but they are different in their structure and function. Here is a table highlighting the differences between them:

Factor V Leiden Factor V
Point mutation in the factor V gene, resulting in an abnormal version of factor V Normal version of factor V, a protein involved in blood clotting
Resistant to the actions of protein C and protein S, which normally inactivate factor V to prevent abnormal clotting Normal responsiveness to protein C and protein S
Increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and other blood clotting complications Normal risk of blood clotting complications
Inherited from one of the biological parents, following an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern Not inherited, just the normal version of the protein
Found in approximately 5% of the general population Less common than Factor V Leiden

Factor V Leiden is a mutation in the factor V gene, which changes the protein's structure and causes it to resist proteins that stop excessive clotting. This results in blood clotting more easily than it should, leading to serious complications like deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. On the other hand, Factor V is the normal version of the protein, which helps in blood clotting when needed and responds properly to protein C and protein S.