G-protein beta(3)-subunit C825T genotype and nephropathy in diabetes mellitus

Background. Recent studies have identified a novel polymorphism (C825T) of the gene encoding the beta(3) subunit of heterotrimeric G proteins (G beta( 3)) which is associated with enhanced activation of G-proteins and appears to be more common in hypertensive patients and possibly contributes to decr eased kidney allograft survival. Methods. In the present study we examined the relationship between this gen etic variant, type 1 and type 2 diabetes and renal complications of diabete s in 1008 Caucasian patients recruited from an outpatient diabetes clinic a nd four dialysis centres. We also studied 1940 healthy controls. Results. After multivariate adjustment and in univariate statistics, the G beta(3) 825TT genotype was not associated with a significantly enhanced ris k of diabetes or renal complications. Conclusions. These findings indicate that the G beta(3) 825T allele apparen tly does not contribute to the development of diabetes or associated renal complications in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus.