N-ACETYLATION AND HYDROXYLATION POLYMORPHISMS IN TYPE-II DIABETICS WITH MICROVASCULAR DISTURBANCES

The N-acetylation and hydroxylation (CYP2D6) genetic polymorphisms wer e assessed in 43 healthy subjects and in 84 type II (non-insulin-depen dent) diabetics. The proportions of slow and fast acetylators as well as poor and extensive metabolisers in a group of diabetics suffering f rom microvascular disturbances (nephropathy, retinopathy and neuropath y) were compared with the ocntrol group and with diabetics without suc h ocmplications. Sulphadimidine was used as a probe for polymorphic ac etylation and debrisoqine for CYP2D6. Debrisoquine and its 4-OH metabo lite were assayed by means of HPLC, and sulphadimidine using a modifie d Bratton-Marshall proceedure. The frequency of the slow phenotype (63 %) was significantly higher in diabetics with microvascular disturbanc es than in patiens without diabetic complications (P < 0.005). In pati ents with type II diabetes (84), only the extensive phenotype of hydro xylation was observed.