[Genetic basis of arterial calcification for diabetes mellitus]

Frequency of arterial calcification is high in diabetic patients, particularly in those with end-stage renal disease. A familial syndrome of aortic calcification, difference in the prevalence of arterial calcification among different races and different strains of mice suggest the contribution of genetic factor to arterial calcification. Among candidate genes, a common polymorphism in the promoter of Matrix matalloproteinase 3 gene (MMP3) has been reported to be associated with arterial calcification. Elucidation of genetic basis of arterial calcification will contribute to develop effective methods for prediction, prevention and intervention of this complication.