Association of Catalase Gene rs769217 Polymorphism with Carotid Intima-media Thickness in Diabetic Patients

Diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for atherosclerosis/cardiovascular diseases. Atherosclerosis in diabetic patients has been linked to increased oxidative stress and intima-media thickness is used to detect its presence. Catalase is involved in hydrogen peroxide catabolism and is important in defense against oxidative stress, which contributes significantly to atherosclerotic processes. There are no data on association of catalase gene genotypes of rs769217 polymorphism and carotid artery intima-media thickness. Therefore, this study investigated the potential association of catalase rs769217 polymorphism and intima media thickness in diabetic patients. Right and left carotid intima-media thickness increased (P≤0.001) in type 1 and type 2 diabetes when it was compared to those of controls. Blood catalase activities of CC genotypes of rs769217 polymorphism in catalase gene were associated with cITT (P<0.043) in type 1 diabetics, type 2 diabetics and in controls. This interesting new finding could suggest that diabetics and controls with CC genotype of rs769217 polymorphism may have higher carotid intima media thickness and higher risks for cardiovascular events when they blood catalase is high. This higher catalase could destroy hydrogen peroxide more effectively thus preventing the signaling action of hydrogen peroxide. ISSN 2475-545