Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Effects of Mindfulness Training Combined with Tai Chi in Patients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Published on: July 14, 2023
PAI-1 4G/5G insertion/deletion promoter polymorphism and microvascular complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Marion Funk1, Georg Endler, Markus Exner
1Department of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, University of Vienna Medical School, Vienna, Austria.
Background:
Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) plays an important role in the regulation of fibrinolysis and extracellular matrix turnover. PAI-1 4G/5G insertion/deletion polymorphism in the PAI-1 promoter region has been shown to modulate PAI-1 plasma levels. We investigated the relationship between this polymorphism and the prevalence of diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes in the Austrian population.
Patients And Methods:
147 consecutive patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (96 men, 51 women; median age, 65 years; IQR, 59-71) were analyzed for the PAI-1 4G/5G genotype.
Results:
The genotype distribution in the individuals tested was as follows: 17% (n = 25) 5G/5G, 54% (n = 80) 4G/5G, and 29% (n = 42) 4G/4G. Patients homozygous for allele 4G had a significantly higher risk of diabetic proliferative retinopathy than patients without signs of diabetic retinopathy or nonproliferative retinopathy (OR, 7.3; 95% CI, 1.4-38.8; P = 0.02). No significant associations were observed between the PAI-1 genotype and the presence of albuminuria.
Conclusion:
According to our results, diabetic proliferative retinopathy might be associated with the prevalence of PAI-1 genotype 4G/4G.
Related Concept Videos
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Type II Diabetes I: Introduction
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
