Serum Level of Growth Arrest-Specific 6 (Gas6) Protein and Genetic Variations in the Gas6 Gene in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Growth arrest-specific protein 6 (Gas6) belongs to a family of vitamin K-dependent coagulation proteins. Plasma levels of Gas6 are associated to altered glucose tolerance. This study aimed at determining whether c.843+7G>A Gas6 polymorphism is associated with the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The study included 50 patients with type 2 diabetes and 40 matched controls. The Gas6 protein was measured in serum using ELISA and Gas6 gene polymorphism by polymerase chain reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism. The GG genotype was the most prevalent in the diabetic patient. The frequency of A allele in the diabetic group was lower than the control group (P < 0.05). Serum concentrations of Gas6 were lower among type 2 diabetes patients than controls (P < 0.001). Since the AA genotype was expressed at a lower frequency in type2 diabetes patients compared to controls, a protective role for this Gas6 variant in type 2 diabetic patients may be concluded.