内脏脂肪素基因多态性与宁夏回、汉族2型糖尿病患者的相关性研究

目的 探讨内脏脂肪素基因启动子区-1535 C/T基因多态性与宁夏回、汉族T2DM的相关性. 方法 用PCR-RFLP方法检测210例宁夏回、汉族T2DM患者(T2DM组)及207名健康对照者(NC组)内脏脂肪素启动子区-1535 C/T位点多态性. 结果 两组间及两组内回、汉族内脏脂肪素基因启动子区-1535 C/T基因多态性位点CC、CT、TT3种基因型和等位基因频率差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05).回族T2DM组TT基因型HDL-C低于CT、CC基因型(P=0.007),汉族T2DM组TT基因型TG较CC、CT基因型高(P=0.026). 结论 内脏脂肪素基因启动子区-1535 C/T位点存在多态性,两组间回、汉族差异无统计学意义;TT基因型可能与T2DM患者血脂异常有关.     

内皮型一氧化氮合酶和N5，N10-亚甲基四氢叶酸还原酶基因多态性与苏皖地区汉族人群早发冠心病易感性的相关关系

目的 探讨内皮型一氧化氮合酶(eNOS)基因第7外显子G894T突变和N5,N10-亚甲基四氢叶酸还原酶(MTHFR)基因C677T突变与苏皖地区汉族人群早发冠心病(PCAD)发病的关系.方法 采用病例对照研究的方法,应用聚合酶链反应-限制性片长多态性(PCR-RFLP)技术,分别检测131例PCAD患者(PCAD组)和131例年龄、性别相匹配的无冠心病者(对照组)的eNOS和MTHFR基因的单核苷酸多态性,判定其基因型并统计各基因型及等位基因的频率.结果 eNOS基因G894T多态性在PCAD组和对照组中的基因型分布(x2=2.072,P=0.355)和T等位基因频率(x2=0.727,P=0.394)差异均无统计学意义.MTHFR基因C677T基因型在PCAD组CT和TT型分布均高于对照组(x2 =14.290,P=0.001),T等位基因频率亦高于对照组(x2=16.339,P =0.000),差异有显著性(P＜0.05).Logistic回归分析显示,携带MTHFR基因C677TTT基因型是PCAD发病的独立危险因素.结论 eNOS基因G894T多态性可能与苏皖地区汉族人群PCAD发病无关;MTHFR基因677C/T多态性的TT基因型可能增加苏皖地区汉族人群PCAD的患病风险,T等位基因可能是PCAD的遗传易感基因.     

吉林省白细胞介素-2基因+114(G/T)位点多态性与慢性乙型肝炎、肝硬化和肝癌易感性的相关性分析

目的 研究白细胞介素-2(IL-2)基因+114(G/T)位点多态性在吉林省健康人群与乙型肝炎、肝硬化及肝癌患者中的分布及频率;探讨IL-2基因的单核苷酸多态性(SNP)与乙型肝炎、肝硬化及肝癌之间的关系.方法 应用聚合酶链式反应-限制性片段长度多态性(PCR-RFLP)等技术检测吉林省慢性乙型肝炎(CHB)患者115例、乙型肝炎背景下的肝硬化(LC)患者78例和肝癌(HCC)患者115例及健康体检者107例的IL-2基因+114位点的多态性,并用DNA测序法进行验证,对四组中基因型及等位基因的分布进行统计学分析.结果 IL-2基因+114(G/T)位点共有三种基因型:GG型、TG型和TT型.各基因型在病例组与对照组之间差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).CHB组、LC组中T等位基因所占比例与对照组相比差异具有统计学意义(P=0.011,P=0.019),HCC组与对照组的差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).提示T等位基因与CHB、HCC的患病风险有关(OR=0.612,P=0.011;OR=0.562,P=0.019).结论 IL-2基因+114(G/T)多态性在吉林省健康体检者与CHB、LC及HCC患者中的分布具有显著性差异,等位基因T分布频率与CHB及LC的患病风险呈负相关性.     

凝血酶活化纤维蛋白溶解抑制物基因编码区C1040T及G753A的多态性与脑梗死的相关性

目的探讨中国汉族脑梗死患者凝血酶活化纤维蛋白溶解抑制物(TAFI)基因编码区C1040T及G753A单核苷酸多态性与脑梗死的相关性。方法回顾性分析采用聚合酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态性(PCR-RFLP)技术,检测130例脑梗死患者和118名同期行正常体检者(对照组)的TAFI基因编码区C1040T及G753A的多态性。结果脑梗死组TAFI基因G753A多态性的GG型频率41.5%(54例),A等位基因携带者频率58.5%(76例);而对照组分别为GG型频率44.9%(53例),A等位基因携带者频率55.1%(65例)。TAFI基因G753A多态性的GG型及A等位基因携带者两组频率差异无统计学意义(χ2=0.288,P=0.592)。在脑梗死组,C1040T多态性的CC型占50.0%(65例),T等位基因携带者占50.0%(65例);而对照组分别为CC型51.7%(61例),T等位基因携带者占48.3%(57例)。C1040T多态性的CC型及T等位基因携带者两组差异无统计学意义(χ2=0.071,P=0.790)。多因素Logistic回归分析显示,TAFI基因编码区G753A单核苷酸多态性(GA或AA基因型)及C1040T单核苷酸多态性(CT或TT基因型)不是脑梗死发病的独立危险因素。结论 TAFI基因编码区C1040T及G753A的多态性与脑梗死之间无显著相关性,不是脑梗死发病的独立危险因素。     

血管内皮生长因子基因SNPrs3025039多态性与2型糖尿病相关性的研究

目的探讨T2DM患者血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)基因SNPrs3025039多态性。方法运用PCR-RFLP检测170例T2DM患者(T2DM组)和100名健康体检者(NC组)的VEGF基因SNPrs3025039多态性。结果 (1)两组的基因型和等位基因频率差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),但糖尿病慢性肾脏疾病(CKD)组CT、TT基因型频率和T等位基因频率高于糖尿病非CKD(NCKD)组(P<0.05);CC基因型和C等位基因频率低于NCKD组(P<0.05);(2)T2DM组BMI、SBP、DBP、HbA1c、FPG、2hPG、TG水平高于NC组(P<0.01),HDL-C水平较NC组降低(P<0.01)。结合FPG、TG、TC、LDL-C及HDL-C进行多重Logistic回归分析显示,CT和TT基因型与CKD的发生呈正相关(OR=2.75,P<0.05)。结论 T2DM患者VEGF基因SNPrs3025039多态性与正常人群比较差异无统计学意义,但CT、TT基因型与CKD的发病风险有关。     

急性冠状动脉综合征患者基质金属蛋白酶9基因多态性

目的 探讨基质金属蛋白酶9基因C1562T多态性与中国南方汉族人群冠心病的关系.方法 对经冠状动脉造影证实的急性冠状动脉综合征患者150例(急性冠状动脉综合征组)、稳定型心绞痛患者110例(稳定型心绞痛组)和同期冠状动脉造影阴性、排除冠心病诊断的患者70例(对照组)进行研究,采用酶联免疫吸附试验测定血浆基质金属蛋白酶9水平,采用聚合酶链反应-限制片长多态性技术分析基质金属蛋白酶9基因中C1562T基因多态性,比较各组的基因型和等位基因频率.结果 急性冠状动脉综合征组血浆基质金属蛋白酶9水平明显高于稳定型心绞痛组(P＜0.05)和对照组(P＜0.01),而稳定型心绞痛组与对照组比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).急性冠状动脉综合征组基质金属蛋白酶9基因CT、CT TT基因型频率以及T等位基因频率均高于对照组和稳定型心绞痛组(P＜0.05或0.01),稳定型心绞痛组与对照组各基因型和等位基因频率分布差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).C1562T位点CT/TT基因型患者血浆基质金属蛋白酶9水平显著高于CC基因型患者(P＜0.01).结论 基质金属蛋白酶9基因C1562T多态性可能与中国南方汉族人群急性冠状动脉综合征有关,1562T等位基因是动脉粥样硬化斑块不稳定性的易感基因.     

上海松江地区颈动脉硬化患者烟酰胺腺嘌呤二核苷酸磷酸氧化酶C242T基因多态性

目的探讨中国上海松江地区汉族人群烟酰胺腺嘌呤二核苷酸磷酸[NAD(P)H]氧化酶p22phox亚基C242T基因多态性与颈动脉硬化的相关性。方法选择上海松江地区颈动脉硬化患者129例作为颈动脉硬化组,同期健康体检者143例作为对照组,采用病例对照研究,联合聚合酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态性分析、基因测序技术,对2组C242T基因多态性位点进行基因型、等位基因频率进行分析。结果颈动脉硬化组C242T基因CT+TT基因型频率及T等位基因频率显著高于对照组(10.1%vs 2.8%,P=0.028;5.4%vs 1.4%,P=0.017),CC基因型人群HDL及载脂蛋白A水平较CT+TT基因型高(P<0.05)。logistic回归分析发现,C242T基因中T等位基因是颈动脉硬化的一个独立危险因素(OR=1.810,95%CI:1.454~7.218,P=0.040)。结论上海松江地区汉族人群C242T基因多态性与颈动脉硬化相关,且T等位基因可能是颈动脉硬化的一个独立危险因素。     

原发性高血压患者中G蛋白β3亚单位基因C825T多态性与复方缬沙坦降压疗效的相关性

目的:探讨原发性高血压(EH)患者中G蛋白β3亚单位基因C825T多态性与EH发生,及复方缬沙坦降压疗效的相关性。方法:80例EH患者(EH组)给予复方缬沙坦1粒/d,治疗4周后,观察其降压疗效。应用直接测序方法对EH组患者和40名健康者(对照组)G蛋白β3亚单位基因C825T作基因分型。结果:EH组中CC和CT+TT基因型频率分别为31.25%和68.75%,对照组中分别为52.50%和47.50%,2组间CT+TT基因型频率差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。EH组中C和T等位基因频率分别为41.88%和58.12%,对照组中分别为57.50%和42.50%,2组间T等位基因频率差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。EH组患者中,复方缬沙坦对携带T等位基因者血压的下降幅度与携带C等位基因者比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:G蛋白β3亚单位基因C825T多态性与EH发病有关,携带T等位基因者可能是缬沙坦降压疗效的新的预测因子。     

白介素-1β-511(C/T)位点基因多态性与早期糖尿病肾病的相关性研究

目的探讨泸州地区汉族人群IL-1β基因启动子511 C/T多态性与早期糖尿病肾病(EDKD)的相关性。方法 PCR-RFLP对548例T2DM患者[正常白蛋白尿组(NA)286例,微量白蛋白尿组(MA)262例]及327名健康者(NC组)IL-1基因型进行检测。结果 3组IL-1β-511基因型及等位基因分布频率比较,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。MA组各基因型分布频率(χ~2=6.651,P=0.036;χ~2=9.004,P=0.011)和各等位基因分布频率(χ~2=5.204,P=0.023;χ~2=8.311,P=0.004)与NC和NA组比较,差异有统计学意义。Logistic回归分析显示,TT+CT基因型是EDKD的危险因素(校正后OR=1.787)。结论四川泸州地区汉族人群IL-1β基因-511C/T多态性与EDKD可能有相关性,T等位基因可增加EDKD发病风险。     

预测急性冠状动脉综合征危险因素的候选基因多态性

目的:探讨中国汉族急性冠状动脉综合征(ACS)患者的易感性基因。方法:采用聚合酶链式反应/限制性片段长度多态性分析中国汉族108例患者(ACS组)和90例健康者(对照组)的4个候选基因,7个多态性。结果:ACS组基质金属蛋白酶-2(MMP-2)(-1306C/T)C等位基因频率与对照组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),2组间3种基因型(CC、CT和TT)分布差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),而ACS组MMP-2(-1575G/A,-790G/T和-735C/T)、基质素-1(5A6A)、G蛋白β3亚单位(825C/T)和连接蛋白37(CX37)基因多态性(1019C/T)基因型分布和等位基因频率与对照组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:MMP-2基因(-1306C/T)多态性可能与中国汉族人群ACS有关,MMP-2基因-1306C等位基因可能是ACS遗传易感性的基因标志之一。     

血管内皮细胞生长因子基因多态性与糖尿病肾病的相关性

目的研究血管内皮细胞生长因子（VEGF）基因多态性与糖尿病肾病（DN）的关系。方法单纯2型糖尿病（DM）组76例,DN组81例,健康对照（NC）组60例。UNIQ-10柱提取全血基因组DNA。标本基因型的判断用聚合酶链反应-限制性酶切片断长度多态性技术。Hardy-Weinberg平衡法检验各组基因频率的群体代表性。结果（1）DN组VEGF-460和＋405CC基因型频率和C等位基因频率明显高于DM组和NC组。（2）-460位点CC基因型DN患病率明显高于CT和TT基因型。＋405位点CC基因型DN患病率明显高于CG和GG基因型。（3）显示VEGF-460和＋405基因多态性均为DN发生的独立危险因素。结论（1）VEGF-460C/T基因多态性与DN发生有关。C等位基因可能是DN易感基因。（2）VEGF＋405G/C基因多态性与DN发生有关。C等位基因可能是DN的易感基因。     

基质金属蛋白酶9基因多态性与2型糖尿病血管病变的相关性研究

目的 探讨基质金属蛋白酶9(MMP-9)基因C-1562T多态性与2型糖尿痫血管病变的关系．方法 运用PCR-RFLP检测110名健康对照者和450例2型糖尿病(DM)患者(其中单纯2型DM者100例、大血管病变者120例、糖尿病肾病(DN)患者130例、糖尿病视网膜病变患者100例)的MMP-9基因型，比较各组的基因型和等位基因频率。结果 (1)所有糖尿病视网膜病变患者的基因型均为CC型。(2)与对照组和单纯2型DM组相比，大血管病变组的T基因型和T等位基因频率显著升高，而DN组的TT基因型和T等位基因频率明显下降。(3)Logistic回归分析显示MMP-9 T等位基因、血清MMP-9、总胆固醇、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇、脂蛋白(a)是大血管病变发生的危险因素；尿白蛋白排泄率、脂蛋白(a)、HbA1C是DN发生的危险因素。结论 MMP-9基因C-1562T多态性与2型DM血管病变的发生有关，T等位基因是大血管病变的易感基因，是DN的保护基因。     

CD14启动子-260位点基因多态性对糖尿病肾病的影响

目的探讨CD14启动子-260位点基因多态性对糖尿病肾病（DN）的影响。方法应用PCR直接测序法对437例2型糖尿病（T2DM）患者（T2DM组）及145例正常者（对照组）的CD14启动子C-260T基因多态性进行分析。结果两组CD14启动子-260位点基因型分布及等位基因频率均无统计学差异（P〉0．05）;非DN与DN患者比较,其CD14启动子-260位点CC基因与CT＋TT基因有统计学差异（P〈0．05）。结论CD14启动子-260C／T基因多态性与糖尿病发病无相关性,但其CC基因是T2DM患者进展为DN的遗传学风险因素。     

The relationship of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T gene polymorphism in Turkish type 2 diabetic patients with and without nephropathy

BACKGROUND: Poor glycaemic control, hypertension and duration of diabetes are risk factors for the development of diabetic nephropathy, but there may be genetic factors. Recently, a common C to T mutation at nucleotide position 677 of the MTHFR gene (MTHFR677C > T) has been reported to be correlated with hyperhomocysteinemia and the severity of coronary artery disease as macroangiopathy. We aim to investigate Turkish type 2 diabetic patients with/without diabetic nephropathy and healthy group and examine the contribution of the MTHFR gene polymorphism to the development of diabetic nephropathy. METHODS: DNA was extracted from peripheral leukocytes of the subjects. Genotyping of the MTHFR C677T polymorphism for all individuals was performed by melting curve analysis of the generated amplicons after real-time online PCR. RESULTS: This genotype distribution did not differ between control subjects and type 2 diabetic patients in which 6.8% were TT, 43.7% were CT and 49.5% were CC (chi2 = 0.201, p > 0.05). The frequency of the mutant T allele was 23.4% in diabetic patients with nephropathy versus 33.0% in those without nephropathy. The genotype frequencies were TT, 2.1%; CT, 46.6%; CC, 55.3% in diabetic patients with nephropathy versus TT, 10.7%; CT, 44.6%; CC, 44.6% in those without nephropathy. CONCLUSIONS: The MTHFR genotype and allele frequencies were not different between diabetic patients with and without nephropathy (chi2 = 3, 386, p > 0.005; chi2 = 2.320, p > 0.005, respectively). Therefore, we conclude that the MTHFR gene polymorphism is not associated with the development of diabetic nephropathy in Turkish type 2 diabetic patients.     

Genetic polymorphism of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase as a risk factor for diabetic nephropathy in Chinese type 2 diabetic patients

OBJECTIVE: Genetic predisposition has been implicated in diabetic nephropathy (DN). The C677T variant of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene, one of the key enzymes catalyzing remethylation of homocysteine, may play a role in the development of not only vascular disease but also diabetic microangiopathies. In this study, we examined the distribution of the MTHFR genotypes in the Chinese population and the association between the C677T variant and diabetic nephropathy. METHODS: 220 unrelated patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and 130 controls were recruited. The MTHFR genotype was analyzed by PCR followed by HinfI digestion. Plasma total homocysteine levels were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection. RESULTS: In 130 healthy control subjects, the frequency of the mutant T allele was 30.0%, comparable to that of a Hong Kong (Chinese) population. The distribution of the three genotypes was as follows: TT genotype, 16.9%; CT genotype, 26.2%; and CC genotype, 56.9%. This genotype distribution did not differ between control subjects and type 2 diabetic patients in which 19.1% were TT, 34.5% were CT and 46.4% were CC (2=3.85, P>0.05). The frequency of the mutant T allele was 42.3% in diabetic patients with nephropathy (n=124) versus 28.6% in those without nephropathy (n=96). The genotype frequencies were TT, 21.0%; CT, 42.7%; CC, 36.3% in diabetic patients with nephropathy versus TT, 16.7%; CT, 23.9%; CC, 59.4% in those without nephropathy. The MTHFR genotype and allele frequencies were different between diabetic patients with and without nephropathy (chi2=12.27, P<0.005; chi2=8.77, P<0.005, respectively). Moreover, plasma homocysteine levels were markedly higher in individuals with TT genotype than those with CC or CT genotype. CONCLUSIONS: The C677T mutation of MTHFR gene is common in the Chinese population. MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism associated with a predisposition to increased plasma homocysteine levels may represent a genetic risk factor for diabetic nephropathy in Chinese type 2 diabetic patients.     

亚甲基四氢叶酸还原酶基因多态性与糖尿病肾病相关性研究

目的：研究亚甲基四氢叶酸还原酶（MTHFR）基因多态性与2型糖尿病肾病的关系。方法：运用聚合酶链反应－限制性片段长度多态性技术（PCR－RFLP）检测85例2型糖尿病患者（其中39例伴糖尿病肾病）及57例正常对照组MTHFR C677T基因型,采用高效液相色谱法测定血浆同型半胱酸水平。结果：糖尿病肾病组MTHFR基因TT纯合基因型,CT杂合基因型及T等位基因频率（分别为38．21％,51．28％,53．85％）均明显高于糖尿病不伴肾病组（分别为19．57％,28．26％,33．70％）及正常对照组（分别为17．54％,28．07％,31．58）,基因型和等位基因频率分布差异均有统计学意义（P＜0．05）,而MTHFR基因该多态性在不伴肾病组与正常对照组之间差异无显著性（P＞0．05）,T等位基因与糖尿病肾病的发生密切相关（OR＝2．30,95％可信区间;1．24－4．26）。糖尿病肾病组,糖尿病不伴肾病组及正常对照组中,MTHFR基因有C677T突变者血浆同型半胱氨酸水平均显著高于无基因突变者。结论：MTHFR基因C677T位碱基突变致血浆同型半胱氨酸水平高是糖尿病肾病发病的重要遗传因素。     

亚甲基四氢叶酸还原酶基因多态性与糖尿病微血管并发症相关性研究

目的：探讨亚甲基四氢叶酸还原酶(MTHFR)基因多态性与中国人2型糖尿病微血管并发症的关系。方法：运用PCR—RFLP检测263例中国人(206例为2型糖尿病，其中148例合并肾病或视网膜病变，57例为正常对照组)MTHFR基因C677T位碱其突变，比较各组间等位基因频率和基因型频率。结果：(1)同时合并肾病和视网膜病变的2型糖尿病组与无微血管并发症的2型糖尿病组及正常对照组相比，TT基因型频率显著增加，突变等位基因T频率也明显升高。(2)2型糖尿病合并肾病组TT基因型频率及T等位基因频率明显高于不伴有肾病的2型糖尿病组及正常对照组。(3)2型糖尿病合并视网膜病组与无视网膜病的2型糖尿病及正常对照组相比，TT基因型频率及T等位基因频率明显升高。结论：MTHFR基因C677T碱基突变是促进中国人2型糖尿病患者并发微血管并发症的危险因子，突变T等位基因是糖尿病微血管并发症的易感基因。     

2型糖尿病肾病亚甲基四氢叶酸还原酶基因多态性研究

目的探讨亚甲基四氢叶酸还原酶(methylenetetrahydrofolate     

高血压合并主动脉夹层基质金属蛋白酶9基因-1562C/T多态性

目的探讨高血压病合并主动脉夹层患者基质金属蛋白酶9（MMP-9）基因一1562C／T基因多态性与临床表现的关系。方法对高血压病合并主动脉夹层患者及高血压病患者用酚一氯仿法提取外周血基因组DNA,PCR-限制性片段长度多态性法确定MMP-9基因一1562C／T基因型。结果（1）高血压病合并主动脉夹层患者中,MMP-9基因一1562T等位基因频率（17．6％）显著高于高血压病患者（11．2％,P〈0．05）,两组之间3种基因型（-1562CC、-1562CT、-1562Tr）分布差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。（2）与-1562CC基因型相比,基因型为-1562CT／TT的主动脉夹层患者累及升主动脉更多见（OR=2．063,95％CI=0．998～4．264,P=0．049）。结论MMP-9基因-1562T多态性与中国汉族人群高血压病并主动脉夹层的发病可能相关,T等位基因可能是高血压病并发主动脉夹层的遗传易感因素之一;携带MMP-9基因-1562T等位基因的高血压病合并主动脉夹层患者更多累及升主动脉,影响预后。     

Aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) -344T/C polymorphism is not associated with the initiation and progression of diabetic nephropathy in Caucasian Type 1 diabetic patients.

AIMS: Aldosterone is one of the main effectors of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system regulating blood pressure. Previous studies have shown that the aldosterone synthase promoter polymorphism -344T/C influences aldosterone levels and is associated with hypertension, a risk factor for the initiation and progression of diabetic nephropathy. Therefore, we investigated whether the -344T/C polymorphism is associated with the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy in Type 1 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: The -344T/C polymorphism was determined using standard PCR techniques in 422 Type 1 diabetic patients with overt diabetic nephropathy [mean age 43 years (SD 11)], and in 479 patients with persistent normoalbuminuria and long-standing Type 1 diabetes [age 47 years (SD 12), duration of diabetes 27 years (SD 10)]. Furthermore, we genotyped 163 Type 1 diabetic patients with overt diabetic nephropathy treated with angiotensis-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I). These patients were followed for a median of 6 years (range 3-14), with nine measurements (range 3-29) of glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and had a decline in GFR of 3.1 (-3.2; 23.7) ml/min per year. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between cases and controls in either genotype distributions (cases TT 0.33, TC 0.48, CC 0.19; controls TT 0.32, TC 0.48, CC 0.20) or allele frequencies (cases T/C 0.57/0.43; controls T/C 0.56/0.44). Furthermore, a genotype-phenotype interaction analysis in the normoalbuminuric patients revealed no differences in sex distribution, age, duration of diabetes, blood pressure, HbA(1c,) or urinary albumin excretion rate across genotypes. In the observational follow-up study, the rate of decline in GFR did not differ between groups of patients with different -344T/C genotype (P = 0.41). However, the T-allele made a statistically significant contribution to both systolic and diastolic pressure during follow-up (P = 0.006 and 0.032, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The -344T/C polymorphism of the aldosterone synthase gene is not associated with initiation or progression of diabetic nephropathy in Caucasian Type 1 diabetic patients, but modulates blood pressure variation.