Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To study haptoglobin genetic phenotypes (Hp) and angiotensin converting enzyme activity (ACE) in normal controls and type 2 diabetics, with and without retinopathy. Methods: Hp phenotypes 1.1, 2.2 and 2.1, and ACE plasma activity (U/L) were determined in normal healthy controls (N=44; 63,20±12,77 years) and in a group of 49 type 2 diabetic subjects, 19 F and 30 M, with 65,19±10,42 years of age, 21 with and 26 without retinopathy. ACE activity was determined using spectrophotometry and Hp phenotypes with polyacrilamide gel electrophoresis. The results were subjected to statistical analyses Student’s t test, ANOVA and Χ2. Results: In the normal healthy controls Hp phenotypes were (%): 1.1=21,4; 2.2=26,2; 2.1=52,4 being different from diabetics (%): 1.1=9,1; 2.2=34,1; 2.1=56,8; p=0,046. In the diabetic group Hp 2.2 (50%) had retinopathy, and Hp 2.1 (72%) had no retinopathy (p=0,036). ACE activity was similar in the controls and diabetics (C=25,27±10,72; D=23,30±16,96) (p=0,529); was highest in Hp 2.2 (34,35 ± 13,06), lowest in Hp 1.1 phenotype (12,65±17,19), intermediate in Hp 2.1 (19,70±17,68) p=0,02. It didn’t show significant differences between the groups with and without retinopathy (p=0,334). Conclusions: Haptoglobin phenotype 2.2, having higher ACE activity and being in our population significantly associated with diabetic retinopathy could be a marker of retinopathy specially if associated with higher ACE activity in type 2 diabetics. Further studies are needed.
Keywords: diabetic retinopathy • genetics • enzymes/enzyme inhibitors