Arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase (ALOX5) gene polymorphism (rs12762303) and arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase activating protein (ALOX5AP) gene polymorphism (rs3802278) and markers of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background: The study was designed to investigate the association between polymorphisms of the arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase (ALOX5) gene (rs12762303) and the arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase-activating proteingene (rs3802278), and markers of carotid atherosclerosis, such as carotid intima media thickness, the number of affected segments of carotid arteries and the sum of plaque thickness in patients with T2DM. Patients and methods: 595 T2DM subjects and 200 control subjects were enrolled. The carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and plaque characteristics (presence and structure) were assessed ultrasonographically. Biochemical analyses were performed using standard biochemical methods. Genotyping of the ALOX5 gene (rs12762303) and the ALOX5AP gene (rs3802278) was performed using KASPar assays. Results: In our study, we demonstrated an association between the rs3802278 and CIMT, and between the rs12762303 and coronary calcium score in subjects with T2DM. In our study, we did not demonstrate any association between tested polymorphisms (rs12762303 and rs3802278) and the sum of plaque thickness, the number of involved segments, hsCRP, the presence of carotid plaques or the presence of unstable carotid plaques. Conclusions: To conclude, in our study we demonstrated an association between the rs3802278 and CIMT, and between the rs12762303 and coronary calcium score in subjects with T2DM.