Abstract
Hyperhomocysteinemia is considered a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Many factors can cause hyperhomocysteinemia and the more evocated is the C677T mutation on the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene (MTHFR). In the present study we intend to determine the relation between homocysteine (Hcy) concentrations and the C677T mutation in a type 2 diabetics group. The population study consists of 51 type 2 diabetic patients (29 men/22 women) with mean age 53,52 +/- 13,56 years. The mutation was determined by PCR, and homocysteine, VitB12 and folates were assayed for each subject. The mutation was detected in 30 patients. CT and TT genotypes were found respectively in 16 and 14 patients. Hcy in diabetics with TT genotype was more elevated than in diabetics with CT genotype (p < 0,05). Hcy levels were not significantly different between heterozygotes and normal subjects. About 66,7% of hyperhomocysteinemic patients have VitB12 levels less than normal value. The C677T mutation on the MTHFR gene represents a major cause of the hyperhomocysteinemia in diabetics and its implication in the development of cardiovascular pathology is not elucidated yet. (C) 2008 Elsevier Masson SAS. Tous droits reserves.