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Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2007; 115(5): 327-330
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-967084
Short Communication

© J. A. Barth Verlag in Georg Thieme Verlag KG · Stuttgart · New York

An Insertion/Deletion Polymorphism in the Alpha2B Adrenoceptor Gene is Associated with Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

N. Papanas 1 , K. Papatheodorou 1 , D. Papazoglou 1 , S. Kotsiou 1 , D. Christakidis 2 , E. Maltezos 1
  • 1Second Department of Internal Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Dragana, Alexandroupolis, Greece
  • 2Diabetic Department, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Dragana, Alexandroupolis, Greece
Further Information

Publication History

received 11. 12. 2006 first decision 9. 01. 2007

accepted 9. 01. 2007

Publication Date:
21 May 2007 (online)

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Abstract

Alpha2B adrenoceptor (alpha2B-AR) mediates a variety of functions in humans. An insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the alpha2B-AR gene located on chromosome 2 has been described. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential association between alpha2B gene I/D polymorphism and peripheral neuropathy in Greek patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The study included 130 patients (70 men) with diabetic neuropathy (group A) and 60 patients (34 men) without diabetic neuropathy (group B). There was no difference in age, gender and diabetes duration between the groups. Diabetic neuropathy was diagnosed by clinical examination using the Diabetic Neuropathy Index (DNI). Genotyping of I/D polymorphism was performed by PCR. Frequency of the D allele was significantly higher (p=0.001) in group A (26.9%) as compared to group B (11.7%). DNI score differed significantly (p=0.001) between the three genotype groups (I/I, I/D, D/D). It was significantly higher (p=0.04) in patients with I/D (3.7±1) than in those with I/I (2.5±0.9) and significantly higher (p=0.001) in patients with D/D (5.6±1.3) than in those with I/D (3.7±1)

Conclusions: Patients with neuropathy exhibit a significantly higher frequency of the D allele in comparison to those without neuropathy. Presence of the D allele is also associated with a higher neuropathic score. These results provide evidence for an association of the D allele with both presence and severity of neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Key words

adrenoceptor - diabetes mellitus - diabetic neuropathy - polymorphism

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Correspondence

N. Papanas

Ethnikis Antistasis 44

Alexandroupolis 68100

Greece

Phone: +30/255/108 49 72

Fax: +30/255/107 47 23

Email: papanasnikos@yahoo.gr

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