Association between MTHFR variant and diabetic neuropathy

Armita Kakavand Hamidi1, Mania Radfar2, Mahsa M Amoli1

  • 1Metabolic Disorders Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Insights

The MTHFR 677 gene variant is linked to an increased risk of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in Iranian type 2 diabetes patients. This finding highlights the role of MTHFR gene variations in diabetes complications.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • Endocrinology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Methylene-tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene variants influence homocysteine and peroxynitrite levels, impacting diabetes pathophysiology.
  • Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of diabetes.
  • MTHFR gene's role in DPN pathogenesis warrants investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between MTHFR gene polymorphisms (C677T and 1298A/C) and diabetic neuropathy.
  • To determine if MTHFR variants are risk factors for DPN in type 2 diabetes patients.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 248 patients with type 2 diabetes (141 with DPN, 107 without).
  • MTHFR C677T polymorphism analyzed via polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).
  • MTHFR 1298A/C polymorphism assessed using Amplification Refractory Mutation System-PCR (ARMS-PCR).

Main Results:

  • A significant difference in MTHFR gene polymorphism was observed between patients with and without diabetic neuropathy.
  • The MTHFR C677T variant showed a notable association with DPN.

Conclusions:

  • The MTHFR 677 variant appears to confer a risk for developing diabetic neuropathy.
  • These findings suggest MTHFR gene polymorphisms are relevant to DPN in Iranian type 2 diabetes patients.

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