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L Tarnow

Publications and source records attributed to L Tarnow.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Diabetic microvascular complications are not associated with two polymorphisms in the GLUT-1 and PC-1 genes regulating glucose metabolism in Caucasian type 1 diabetic patients.

BACKGROUND: An XbaI polymorphism in the gene encoding the glucose transporter, GLUT-1, is associated with development of diabetic nephropathy in Chinese type 2 diabetic patients. In addition, an amino acid variant (K121Q) in the gene encoding the glycoprotein plasma cell differentiating antigen (PC-1), a specific inhibitor of insulin receptor signalling, has been reported to predict a faster progression of nephropathy in Italian and British type 1 diabetic patients. METHODS: The XbaI and K121Q polymorphisms were determined by PCR-RFLP in Danish type 1 diabetic patients with nephropathy (122 men/77 women, age 40.9+/-9.6 years, diabetes duration 27+/-8 years) and type 1 diabetic patients with persistent normoalbuminuria (118 men/74 women, age 42.7+/-10.2 years, diabetes duration 26+/-9 years). Proliferative retinopathy was present in 156 patients (40%), while 67 patients (17%) had no diabetic retinopathy. RESULTS: There were no differences in the frequency of GLUT-1 XbaI genotypes between type 1 diabetic patients with diabetic nephropathy and type 1 diabetic patients with normoalbuminuria: 72 (41%)/87 (50%)/16 (9%) vs 94 (49%)/74 (39%)/24 (13%) had GLUT-1 XbaI +/+, +/- or -/- genotype respectively (NS). The frequency of PC-1 KK, KQ and QQ genotypes were 141 (71%)/52 (26%)/6 (3%) vs 138 (73%)/45 (24%)/7 (4%) in patients respectively with and without nephropathy (NS). Neither were associations between the investigated polymorphisms and simplex or proliferative retinopathy revealed. CONCLUSIONS: Neither the PC-1 K121Q nor the GLUT-1 XbaI polymorphism contribute to the genetic susceptibility of diabetic microvascular complications in Danish type 1 diabetic patients.

Adolescent↗

Polymorphism screening of four genes encoding advanced glycation end-product putative receptors. Association study with nephropathy in type 1 diabetic patients.

Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) may play an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of cardiovascular and renal complications of diabetes. Four putative AGE receptors (RAGEs), AGE-R1, AGE-R2, and AGE-R3 have been described. In this study, we scanned the sequence of the genes encoding these AGE receptors in 48 patients with type 1 diabetes and investigated the identified polymorphisms (n = 19) in 199 type 1 diabetic patients with nephropathy and 193 type 1 diabetic patients without nephropathy. Overall, none of the polymorphisms was strongly associated with nephropathy. The minor allele of a polymorphism located in the promoter region of the RAGE gene (C-1152A) conferred a weak protective effect (P < 0.05) and was associated with a longer duration of nephropathy-free diabetes (P = 0.08).

5' Untranslated Regions↗

Remission of nephrotic-range albuminuria in type 1 diabetic patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cumulative incidence of nephrotic-range albuminuria (NRA), the frequency of remission, and the impact on progression, we analyzed data from a prospective cohort study of type 1 diabetic patients with diabetic nephropathy. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: All of the albuminuric type 1 diabetic patients (n = 321, 121 women), who had at least yearly measurements of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) with a (51)Cr-EDTA plasma clearance technique and were followed for at least 3 years, were evaluated. NRA, defined as persistent albuminuria >2,500 mg/24 h, occurred in 126 patients (35 women) aged (mean +/- SD) 34 +/- 8 years, with duration of diabetes 22 +/- 8 years and follow-up time from onset of NRA (median [range]) 8.7 (3.0-20.9) years. Remission of NRA was defined as sustained albuminuria <600 mg/24 h for at least 1 year. RESULTS: The cumulative incidence of NRA was 39%. Remission was induced in 28 of 126 (22%) patients; 21 were predominantly treated with ACE inhibitors, 7 with non-ACE inhibitor medications. Remission lasted 3.6 (1.0-18.1) years. More women (37%) than men (16%) obtained remission (P = 0.01). In the remission group compared with the no-remission group, mean arterial blood pressure (mean +/- SEM) was reduced (102 +/- 1 vs. 106 +/- 1 mmHg, P < 0.01), the rate of decline in GFR was diminished (3.8 +/- 0.6 vs. 7.5 +/- 0.5 ml x min(-1) x year(-1), P < 0.001), and serum cholesterol was lower (5.3 +/- 0.2 vs. 6.1 +/- 0.1 mmol/l, P < 0.01) during the whole follow-up period. No difference in glycemic control was found between groups (HbA(1c) 9.2 vs. 9.4%, NS). CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to observations made before the use of antihypertensive treatment, our prospective observational study suggests that aggressive antihypertensive treatment with and without ACE inhibitors can induce long-lasting remission in a sizeable fraction of type 1 diabetic patients with NRA. The group of patients obtaining remission is characterized by slow progression of diabetic nephropathy and improved cardiovascular risk profile.

Adult↗

Lack of synergism between long-term poor glycaemic control and three gene polymorphisms of the renin angiotensin system on risk of developing diabetic nephropathy in type I diabetic patients.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Reports on a putative synergism between poor glycaemic control and carriage of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AGTR1) C1166-allele and risk of diabetic nephropathy have been conflicting. Therefore, we investigated the interaction between long-term glycaemic control and three polymorphisms in the genes coding for AGTR1 (A1166-->C), angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE/ID) and angiotensinogen (M235T) on risk of developing diabetic nephropathy. Furthermore, we investigated the relation between a random measurement and long-term measurements of haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). METHODS: We studied Caucasian patients with Type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus and nephropathy (120 men 74 women, age 41.1 +/- 9.6 years, diabetes duration 28 +/- 8 years) and long-standing Type I diabetic patients with persistent normoalbuminuria (112 men 69 women, age 42.5 +/- 10.0 years, diabetes duration 27 +/- 9 years). Genotyping was PCR-based and metabolic control estimated from all measurements of HbA1c done in each patient [average (range) n = 31 (6-74)]. The median observation time (range) was 13.5 (2-14) years. RESULTS: Type I diabetic patients with a history of poor glycaemic control (HbA1c above the median, 8.7%) had an increased risk of diabetic nephropathy compared with patients with a better metabolic control, OR (95% CI): 9.2 (5.8-14.7). The magnitude of this risk was similar in carriers and non-carriers of the mutations. The risk of nephropathy in patients with HbA1c above compared with below the median in carriers of the mutant C1166-allele, D-allele, or T235-allele were 7.6 (95% CI: 3.9-14.8), 10.4 (6.0-17.8) and 9.8 (5.4-17.9), respectively. A significant correlation (r = 0.74, p < 0.001) existed between a random and long-term measurements of HbA1c with a small mean difference (limits of agreement) [0.2 (-1.8 to 2.1)%] between the two estimates. CONCLUSION/INTERPRETATION: Poor metabolic control is a major risk factor for diabetic nephropathy in Caucasian Type I diabetic patients. This risk was similar in carriers and non-carriers of the mutant alleles of the AGTR1 (A1166-->C), ACE/ID and angiotensinogen-M235T polymorphisms. The HbA1c value measured at random reflects rather closely average long-term HbA1c values.

Adolescent↗

Renoprotective effects of angiotensin II receptor blockade in type 1 diabetic patients with diabetic nephropathy.

BACKGROUND: Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors reduce angiotensin II formation and induce bradykinin accumulation. Animal studies suggest that bradykinin may play a role for the effects of ACE inhibition on blood pressure and kidney function. Therefore, we compared the renal and hemodynamic effects of specific intervention in the renin-angiotensin system by blockade of the angiotensin II subtype-1 receptor to the effect of ACE inhibition. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, cross-over trial was performed in 16 type 1 diabetic patients (10 men), age 42 +/- 2 years (mean +/- SEM). The study consisted of five periods, each lasting two months. The patients received losartan 50 mg, losartan 100 mg, enalapril 10 mg, enalapril 20 mg, and placebo in random order. At the end of each period, albuminuria, 24-hour blood pressure, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were determined. RESULTS: Both doses of losartan and enalapril reduced albuminuria (P < 0.05) and mean arterial blood pressure (MABP; P < 0.05), whereas GFR remained stable. Albuminuria was reduced by 33% (95% CI, 12 to 51) on losartan 50 mg, 44% (95% CI, 26 to 57) on losartan 100 mg, 45% (95% CI, 23 to 61) on enalapril 10 mg, and 59% (95% CI, 39 to 72) on enalapril 20 mg, and MABP fell by 9 +/- 2, 8 +/- 2, 6 +/- 3, and 11 +/- 3 mm Hg (mean +/- SEM), respectively. No significant differences were found between the effects of losartan 100 mg and enalapril 20 mg. HbA1C and sodium intake remained unchanged throughout the study, whereas a significant rise in serum potassium occurred during ACE inhibition. CONCLUSION: The angiotensin II subtype 1 receptor antagonist, losartan, reduces albuminuria and MABP similar to the effect of ACE inhibition. These results indicate that the reduction in albuminuria and blood pressure during ACE inhibition is primarily caused by interference in the renin-angiotensin system. Our study suggest that losartan represents a valuable new drug in the treatment of hypertension and proteinuria in type 1 diabetic patients with diabetic nephropathy.

Adult↗

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and apolipoprotein E gene polymorphisms and diabetic angiopathy.

BACKGROUND: A point mutation in the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) gene and a three-allelic variation in the apolipoprotein-E (ApoE) gene have been suggested as risk factors for the development of diabetic micro- and macrovascular complications. METHODS: We studied 198 type 1 diabetic patients with diabetic nephropathy [121 men, age (mean+/-SD) 41+/-10 years, diabetes duration 28+/-8 years] and 192 patients with persistent normoalbuminuria (118 men, age 43+/-10 years, diabetes duration 27+/-9 years). RESULTS: Male patients with nephropathy had elevated plasma PAI-1 levels [geometric mean (95% CI)], 70 (62-79) ng/ml, compared with normoalbuminuric men, 43 (38-47) ng/ml, P<0.001. Even though nephropathic patients with the 4G4G genotype tended to have higher plasma PAI-1 levels, P=0.06, no difference in allele frequency (4G/5G) was seen between patients with and without nephropathy: 0.538/0.462 vs 0.539/0.461, respectively. Nor did ApoE allele frequencies (epsilon2/epsilon3/epsilon4) differ between nephropathic and normoalbuminuric patients: 0.099/0.749/0. 152 vs 0.081/0.745/0.174, respectively. Genotype distributions were also similar, n.s. Coronary heart disease was more prevalent (36%) among nephropathic patients carrying the atherogenic epsilon4-allele compared with 12% in patients with the epsilon3,epsilon3 genotype, P<0.001. No associations between diabetic retinopathy and PAI-1 or ApoE polymorphisms were observed, n.s. CONCLUSIONS: The ApoE polymorphism may accelerate the development of coronary heart disease often seen in Caucasian patients with type 1 diabetes and diabetic nephropathy, a condition characterized by elevated plasma PAI-1 in men. Neither the PAI-1 nor the ApoE gene polymorphism contributes to the genetic susceptibility to diabetic nephropathy or retinopathy.

Adult↗

Genetic polymorphisms of the renin-angiotensin system and complications of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) have a high risk of developing diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy and cardiovascular diseases. The contribution of gene polymorphisms of the renin angiotensin system to these complications is controversial and may differ among populations. METHODS: In 257 Dutch IDDM patients (188 with urinary albumin excretion (UAE) <30 mg/24 h), logistic regression analysis was used to study the relationships among, on the one hand, the insertion/deletion gene polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene (ACE-ID), the M235T gene polymorphism of the angiotensinogen gene (AGT-M235T), and the A1166C gene polymorphism of the angiotensin type 1 receptor gene (AT1-A1166C), and, on the other hand, UAE, retinopathy, hypertension, and coronary heart disease. RESULTS: The T-allele of the AGT-M235T polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of an elevated UAE (odds ratio (OR) 3.03; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06-8.61), but only when interaction with the D-allele of the ACE-ID polymorphism was considered. A previously described positive interaction between the T-allele of the AGT-M235T polymorphism and the D-allele of the ACE-ID polymorphism could not be confirmed. The T-allele was also associated with an increased risk of retinopathy (OR 3.89, 95% CI 1.79-8.47). The CC-genotype of the AT1-A1166C polymorphism was associated with hypertension (OR 3.58; 95% CI 1. 23-10.37). CONCLUSIONS: In a Dutch IDDM population, including 69 patients with (incipient) diabetic nephropathy, the T-allele of the AGT-M235T polymorphism is associated with an elevated UAE and diabetic retinopathy and the CC-genotype of the AT1-A1166C polymorphism is associated with hypertension. A previously described interaction between the AGT-M235T and the ACE-ID polymorphisms could not be confirmed. Since the number of nephropathic patients in this study is small, these conclusions must be interpreted with caution.

Adult↗

Cardiovascular morbidity and early mortality cluster in parents of type 1 diabetic patients with diabetic nephropathy.

OBJECTIVE: A familial predisposition was proposed to be a determinant of the increased morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease in type 1 diabetic patients with diabetic nephropathy. The insertion allele of an insertion/deletion polymorphism in the ACE (ACE/ID) gene seems to protect against coronary heart disease in nondiabetic and diabetic subjects. The aim of the present study was to evaluate these hypotheses in parents of a large group of type 1 diabetic patients with and without diabetic nephropathy. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We investigated cardiovascular morbidity and mortality of parents of 163 type 1 diabetic patients with nephropathy and parents of 163 sex- and age-matched normoalbuminuric patients with type 1 diabetes. RESULTS: Kaplan-Meier curves showed that total parental mortality was significantly increased in parents of type 1 diabetic patients with nephropathy (121 of 244 [ approximately 50%] ) as compared with parents of normoalbuminuric type 1 diabetic patients (119 of 269 [approximately 44%]) (P = 0.008 [log-rank test]) partially due to an increase in cardiovascular deaths (48 of 244 [approximately 20%] vs. 42 of 269 [approximately 16%], P<0.05). In addition, more patients with nephropathy, as compared with the normoalbuminuric group, had at least one parent with fatal/nonfatal cardiovascular disease (46% [95% CI 38-54] vs. 36% [28-44], P = 0.05). Fathers of patients homozygous for the I-allele of the ACE/ID polymorphism had significantly less myocardial infarction as compared with other genotypes (P = 0.03), regardless of the nephropathic state of the offspring. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiovascular morbidity and early mortality clusters in parents of type 1 diabetic patients with diabetic nephropathy The ACE/ID polymorphism helps explain the increased morbidity from cardiovascular disease.

Adult↗

Long-term renoprotective effect of nisoldipine and lisinopril in type 1 diabetic patients with diabetic nephropathy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the long-term effect on kidney function of a long-acting calcium antagonist (nisoldipine) versus a long-acting ACE inhibitor (lisinopril) in hypertensive type 1 diabetic patients with diabetic nephropathy. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We performed a 4-year prospective, randomized, double-dummy controlled study comparing nisoldipine (20-40 mg once a day) with lisinopril (10-20 mg once a day). The study was double-blinded for the first year and single-blinded thereafter. The study included 51 hypertensive type 1 diabetic patients with diabetic nephropathy. Three patients dropped out during the first month; results for the remaining 48 patients are presented. RESULTS: At baseline, the two groups were comparable: glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was 85 +/- 5 and 85 +/- 6 ml x min(-1) x [1.73 m](-2); mean 24-h ambulatory blood pressure was 108 +/- 3 and 105 +/- 2 mmHg, and albuminuria was 1,554 mg/24 h (95% CI 980-2,465) and 1,033 mg/24 h (760-1,406) in the lisinopril and nisoldipine groups, respectively. Mean 24-h arterial blood pressure during the study did not differ between the lisinopril and nisoldipine groups (100 +/- 2 and 103 +/- 1 mmHg, respectively). The time-course of albuminuria differed between groups (P < 0.001). Whereas initiation of treatment with lisinopril resulted in a reduction from baseline albuminuria by 52% (95% CI 14-73), albuminuria in the nisoldipine group did not change throughout the study GFR declined in a biphasic manner with an initial (0-6 months) reduction of 1.3 +/- 0.3 ml x min(-1) x month(-1) in the lisinopril group compared with 0.2 +/- 0.4 ml x min(-1) x month(-1) in the nisoldipine group (P < 0.01). The subsequent sustained decline (6 to 48 months or the end of treatment) was identical in the two groups: 0.5 +/- 0.1 ml min(-1) x month(-1) (NS). Two patients in the lisinopril group and three patients in the nisoldipine group entered therapy for end-stage renal failure. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term treatment with lisinopril or nisoldipine has similar beneficial effects on progression of diabetic nephropathy in hypertensive type 1 diabetic patients.

Adult↗

Elevated vascular endothelial growth factor in type 1 diabetic patients with diabetic nephropathy.

BACKGROUND: Growth factors have been suggested to play a role in the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent cytokine family that induces angiogenesis and markedly increases endothelial permeability. The aim of the present study was to investigate plasma levels of VEGF in a large cohort of type 1 diabetic patients with diabetic nephropathy and in long-standing type 1 diabetic patients with persistent normoalbuminuria, and to evaluate VEGF as a predictor of nephropathy progression. METHODS: We measured VEGF with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique in 199 type 1 diabetic patients with diabetic nephropathy (122 males, age 41 +/- 10 years, diabetes duration 28 +/- 8 years), glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (median [range]) 75 [10-143] mL/min/1.73 m2, and in 188 long-standing type 1 diabetic patients with persistent normoalbuminuria (115 males, age 43 +/- 10 years, diabetes duration 27 +/- 9 years). One hundred fifty-five of the proteinuric patients were followed for at least 3 years after baseline examination with yearly GFR measurements. RESULTS: Plasma levels of VEGF were significantly increased in patients with nephropathy as compared to the normoalbuminuric group; (median [range]): 45.7 [22.0-410] versus 27.1 [22.0-355] ng/L, respectively, P < 0.001. This difference was ascribed to elevated VEGF levels in nephropathic men: 51.8 [22.0-410] versus 22.0 [22.0-308] ng/L, P < 0. 001. No differences were found between women with and without nephropathy: 37.8 [22.0-325] versus 36.6 [22.0-335] ng/L, NS. In proteinuric patients with GFR above and below the median value, there was no difference in the level of VEGF, NS. Plasma VEGF was below the detection limit (22.0 ng/L) in 60 patients with nephropathy and 93 patients with normoalbuminuria, P < 0.001. The mean rate of GFR decline was 3.5 (SE: 0.4) mL/min/year, and the following baseline variables acted as predictors of progression: albuminuria, mean arterial blood pressure and male gender. Hemoglobin A1c and plasma VEGF did not act as predictors. No significant differences between patients with and without proliferative retinopathy were detected. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that VEGF is elevated early in the course of diabetic nephropathy in men with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Baseline albuminuria, arterial blood pressure and male gender was predictors of diabetic nephropathy progression, while plasma VEGF and Hemoglobin A1c did not contribute. The importance of VEGF in the initiation of diabetic nephropathy remains to be established.

Adult↗

Prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy in Type I diabetic patients with diabetic nephropathy.

The increased mortality of patients with diabetic nephropathy is mainly due to cardiovascular disease and end stage renal failure. Left ventricular hypertrophy is an independent risk factor for myocardial ischaemia and sudden death. The aim of our cross-sectional study was to evaluate left ventricular structure and function in Type I (insulin-dependent) diabetic patients with diabetic nephropathy. M-mode and Doppler echocardiography were done on 105 Type I diabetic patients with diabetic nephropathy [61 men, age (means +/- SD) 44+/-9 years, and albuminuria [median(range)] 567(10-8188) mg/24 h, serum creatinine 109 (53-558) micromol/l], and 140 Type I diabetic patients with persistent normoalbuminuria [79 men, 47+/-10 years, urinary albumin excretion rate 8 (0-30) mg/24 h, and serum creatinine 81 (55-121) micromol/l]. Patients with and without nephropathy were comparable with respect to sex, body mass index, and duration of diabetes. Arterial blood pressure was slightly higher in patients with nephropathy: 140/79 +/- 17/9 mm Hg vs 134/78 +/- 15/8 mm Hg, p < 0.01, and the majority of proteinuric patients received antihypertensive drugs, 84 vs 17 %, respectively, p < 0.001. Left ventricular mass index was increased in the nephropathic group (means +/- SD) 100.6+/-23.9 g/m2 compared with the normoalbuminuric group 91.4+/-21.9 g/m2, p = 0.002. Left ventricular hypertrophy was found more often in patients with nephropathy 23 (14-31)% compared with patients with normoalbuminuria 9 (5-14)%, p < 0.005. Diastolic function, assessed by the ratio between the peak diastolic velocity and the peak atrial systolic velocity (E/A ratio) and isovolumic relaxation time, was reduced in patients with vs without nephropathy: 1.17+/-0.29 vs 1.34+/-0.32, and 81.7+/-16.5 vs 74.6+/-14.5, p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively. Systolic function was about the same and normal in both groups. Our study suggests that an increase in left ventricular mass index and a decrease in diastolic function occurs early in the course of diabetic nephropathy.

Adult↗

Progression of diabetic nephropathy in normotensive type 1 diabetic patients.

BACKGROUND: The first aim of our long-term study was to describe the natural history of diabetic nephropathy in 59 normotensive type 1 diabetic patients. Secondly, we evaluated genetic and nongenetic progression promoters. METHODS: The following progression promoters were determined: the insertion/deletion polymorphism in the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene, blood pressure, albuminuria, hemoglobin A1c, cholesterol, smoking, height, and gender. We studied the natural history by measuring 51Cr-EDTA plasma clearance at yearly intervals at least three times during [median (range)] 5.5 (2.2 to 18.3) years. RESULTS: At baseline the three groups (II, N = 11; ID, N = 25, and DD, N = 23) had comparable GFR (103 +/- 16; 99 +/- 19; 113 +/- 22 ml/min/1.73 m2, respectively; mean +/- SD), arterial blood pressure, albuminuria, and hemoglobin A1c. During the follow-up there was a median rate of decline in GFR in all 59 patients of 1.2 (range 12.9 to -4.4) ml/min/year. During the study period no significant differences were observed in: the rate of decline in glomerular filtration rate [median (range) 0.9 (10.6 to -1.9); 2.5 (12.9 to -4.4); 1.4 (10.8 to -1.9 ml/min/year)], arterial blood pressure, albuminuria, hemoglobin A1c or cholesterol between the three groups (II, ID and DD), respectively. At baseline, multiple linear regression analysis including the above-mentioned putative risk factors revealed that albuminuria, short stature, and male gender independently predict an enhanced decline in GFR [R2 (adjusted) = 0.33; P < 0.002]. During the follow-up period, only albuminuria acted as an independent progression promoter [R2 (adjusted) = 0.37; P < 0.0001]. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed a rather slow progression of kidney disease in normotensive type 1 diabetic patients with diabetic nephropathy. Albuminuria, short stature, and male gender act as progression promoters in such patients.

Adult↗

The Trp64Arg amino acid polymorphism of the beta3-adrenergic receptor gene does not contribute to the genetic susceptibility of diabetic microvascular complications in Caucasian type 1 diabetic patients.

OBJECTIVE: The beta3-adrenergic receptor is involved in regulation of microvascular blood flow. A missense mutation (Trp64Arg) in the beta3-adrenergic receptor gene has been suggested as a risk factor for proliferative retinopathy in Japanese type 2 diabetic patients. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the contribution of this polymorphism to the development of microangiopathic complications in Caucasian type 1 diabetic patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We studied the relationship between the Trp64Arg polymorphism in type 1 diabetic patients with nephropathy (204 men/132 women, age 42.8 +/- 11.0 years, diabetes duration 28 +/- 9 years) and in type 1 diabetic patients with persistent normoalbuminuria (118 men/73 women, age 42.6 +/- 10.2 years, diabetes duration 27 +/- 8 years). Proliferative retinopathy was present in 254 patients (48%), while 66 patients (13%) had no diabetic retinopathy. RESULTS: There were no differences in Trp64Arg genotype distribution between type 1 diabetic patients with diabetic nephropathy and type 1 diabetic patients with normoalbuminuria: 295 (88%)/38 (11%)/3 (1%) vs 161 (84%)/30 (16%)/- had Trp/Trp, Trp/Arg or Arg/Arg genotype respectively. Odds ratio (95% CI) of nephropathy in carriers of the mutation was 0.75 (0.45-1.25). No associations between the Trp64Arg polymorphism and simplex or proliferative retinopathy were revealed either. The frequency of the Arg-allele was 0.069 in patients with proliferative retinopathy, 0.066 in patients with simplex retinopathy and 0.090 in patients with no signs of diabetic retinopathy, NS. CONCLUSIONS: The Trp64Arg polymorphism of the beta3-adrenergic receptor gene does not contribute to the genetic susceptibility to diabetic nephropathy in Caucasian type 1 diabetic patients. Nor does our study support previous findings of an association between this variant and proliferative retinopathy.

Adult↗

Plasma renin and prorenin and renin gene variation in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and nephropathy.

BACKGROUND: The most striking abnormality in the renin angiotensin system in diabetic nephropathy (DN) is increased plasma prorenin. Renin is thought to be low or normal in DN. In spite of altered (pro)renin regulation the renin gene has not been studied for contribution to the development of DN. METHODS: We studied plasma renin, prorenin, and four polymorphic markers of the renin gene in 199 patients with IDDM and DN, and in 192 normoalbuminuric IDDM controls matched for age, sex, and duration of diabetes. Plasma renin and total renin were measured by immunoradiometric assays. Genotyping was PCR-based. RESULTS: Plasma renin was increased in patients with nephropathy (median (range), 26.3 (5.2-243.3) vs 18.3 (4.2-373.5) microU/ml in the normoalbuminuric group, P<0.0001). Prorenin levels were elevated out of proportion to renin levels in nephropathic patients (789 (88-5481) vs 302 (36-2226) microU/ml, P<0.0001). Proliferative retinopathy had an additive effect on plasma prorenin, but not on renin. DN was associated with a BglI RFLP in the first intron of the renin gene (bb-genotype: n=106 vs 82 in DN and normoalbuminuric patients respectively, P=0.037), but not with three other polymorphisms in the renin gene. A trend for association of higher prorenin levels with the DN-associated allele of this renin polymorphism was observed in a subgroup of patients with DN (bb vs Bb+BB, P=0.07). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that in DN there is an increase in both renin and prorenin levels. A renin gene polymorphism may contribute weakly to DN. Although speculative, one of the renin gene alleles could lead to increased renin gene expression, leading to higher renin and prorenin levels. These may play a role in the pathogenesis of DN.

Adult↗

Amadori albumin in type 1 diabetic patients: correlation with markers of endothelial function, association with diabetic nephropathy, and localization in retinal capillaries.

Nonenzymatic glycation is increased in diabetes. Most studies so far have focused on the role of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in vascular complications, whereas the role of early glycation Amadori-modified proteins, which is the predominant form of glycated proteins, has not been systemically investigated in humans. We developed an antiserum against glycated human serum albumin (HSA) and used this to study the role of early glycation products in vascular complications in type 1 diabetic patients. Amadori albumin was determined to be the recognition epitope of the antiserum. The antibody recognized a specific glucose adduct and a conformational component specific for human albumin in Amadori albumin, with no recognition of AGEs. Plasma Amadori albumin levels were significantly higher in type 1 diabetic patients (n = 55) than in healthy control subjects (n = 60) (39.2+/-9.9 vs. 20.9+/-4.0 U/ml, P < 0.0005). Amadori albumin correlated with levels of plasma markers of endothelial function von Willebrand factor (r = 0.29, P < 0.05) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (r = 0.41, P < 0.005), but not soluble E-selectin. In addition, Amadori albumin immunoreactivity was detected in the capillaries of retinas of diabetic patients. Plasma levels of Amadori albumin were determined in a second group of type 1 diabetic patients with long-standing diabetes with (n = 199) or without (n = 192) diabetic nephropathy. Patients with nephropathy had higher Amadori albumin levels than did those without it (50.9+/-9.5 vs. 45.1+/-6.3 U/ml, P < 0.0005). Age-, sex-, and diabetes duration-adjusted analyses showed that nephropathy was significantly associated with Amadori albumin with an odds ratio (OR [95% CI]) of 1.11 [1.08-1.15] per U/ml increase. After additional adjustment for levels of creatinine, glycated hemoglobin, cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, preexistent retinopathy, and cardiovascular disease, Amadori albumin continued to be significantly associated with nephropathy (OR 1.06 [1.01-1.11]) per U/ml increase. Our results are consistent with a proposed pathophysiological role of Amadori albumin in microvascular complications of type 1 diabetic patients.

Adult↗

Cyclosporine nephrotoxicity in type 1 diabetic patients. A 7-year follow-up study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate kidney function 7 years after the end of treatment with cyclosporine A (CsA) (initial dosage of 9.3 tapered off to 7.0 mg.kg-1.day-1) in young patients (mean age 20 years) with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes participating in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled CsA trial. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: In this study, 21 patients received CsA for 12.5 +/- 4.0 months (mean +/- SD) and 19 patients received placebo for 14.4 +/- 3.8 months. The two groups were similar with regard to mean arterial blood pressure (BP), urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER), serum creatinine, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR [Cockcroft and Gault]) at initiation of CsA treatment (baseline). HbA1c (mean +/- SEM) during 7 years of follow-up was also the same: 8.7 +/- 0.4 vs. 8.3 +/- 0.4% in the CsA and placebo groups, respectively. RESULTS: During the 7 years after cessation of study medication, two CsA group patients and one control patient were lost to follow-up. One placebo-treated patient developed IgA nephropathy (biopsy proven) and was excluded. Four CsA-treated patients developed persistently elevated UAER > 30 mg/24 h (n = 3 with microalbuminuria), whereas all the 17 placebo-treated patients had normal UAER (< 30 mg/24 h) after 7 years of follow-up. At the end of follow-up, the CsA group had a more pronounced rise in UAER: 2.5-fold (95% CI 1.4-4.5) higher than baseline value vs. 1.1-fold (0.7-1.7) in the placebo-treated group (P < 0.05). Estimated GFR (ml.min-1.1.73 m-2) declined from baseline to end of follow-up (1994) by 6.3 +/- 6.0 in the former CsA group, whereas it rose by 7.4 +/- 5.0 in the placebo group (P = 0.05). In 1994, 24-h blood pressure was nearly the same: 131/77 +/- 4/2 vs. 127/75 +/- 2/2 mmHg (NS) in the CsA and placebo groups, respectively. Five randomly selected CsA-treated patients had a kidney biopsy performed shortly after the CsA treatment was stopped. Interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy and/or arteriolopathy were present in two subjects who both subsequently developed persistent microalbuminuria. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our 7-year follow-up study suggested that short-lasting CsA treatment in young, newly diagnosed type 1 diabetic patients accelerated the rate of progression in UAER and tended to induce a loss in kidney function. Longer term follow-up is mandatory to clarify whether CsA-treated patients are at increased risk of developing clinical nephropathy.

Adult↗

Effects of nisoldipine and lisinopril on left ventricular mass and function in diabetic nephropathy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of the calcium channel blocker, nisoldipine, and the ACE inhibitor, lisinopril, on left ventricular mass (LVM) and systolic function in type 1 diabetic patients with diabetic nephropathy. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: M-mode echocardiography was performed in 50 hypertensive type 1 diabetic patients with diabetic nephropathy enrolled in a 1-year, randomized, double-blind, parallel study of antihypertensive treatment with nisoldipine CC (20-40 mg/day) or lisinopril (10-20 mg/day). Ambulatory 24-h blood pressure was measured with the Takeda TM 2420 device (A & D, Tokyo, Japan) every 3 months. Three patients dropped out and seven patients were excluded due to technical difficulties. RESULTS: The 24-h diastolic blood pressure was reduced from 83 to 80 mmHg in the nisoldipine group (P = 0.06) and from 85 to 80 mmHg in the lisinopril group (P = 0.02). The decline in systolic blood pressure was not significant with any of the two treatments, and no difference in reduction of blood pressure was seen between groups. LVM corrected for body surface area (LVMI) was comparable between groups at baseline and increased from 96 +/- 5 to 107 +/- 6 g/m2 (mean +/- SEM; P = 0.007) in the nisoldipine group and from 95 +/- 4 to 103 +/- 5 g/m2 (P = 0.03) in the lisinopril group. The mean difference between the change in LVMI in the two groups was 2.9 (95% CI 6.8 to 12.7) g/m2. The prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy rose from 18 (95% CI 6-30) to 30% (16-44) during the study period. A multiple linear regression analysis revealed that after 1 year of treatment, LVMI increased with higher systolic blood pressure level and declining glomerular filtration rate (R2 = 0.25). Fractional shortening was within normal range at baseline, 42 +/- 1 vs. 41 +/- 1% with nisoldipine and lisinopril, respectively, and did not change during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Antihypertensive treatment with nisoldipine or lisinopril to bring diastolic blood pressure level within the normal target range does not hinder a rise in LVMI in type 1 diabetic patients with diabetic nephropathy.

Adult↗