Association of the Aldose Reductase-106TT Genotype with Increased Risk for Diabetic Retinopathy in the Chinese Han Population: An Updated Meta-Analysis

ITGA2 Gene Polymorphism Is Associated with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the Kazakhstan Population

Background and Objectives: Nowadays, every tenth adult in the world suffers from diabetes mellitus (DM). Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common microvascular complication of type 2 DM (T2DM) and a leading cause of acquired blindness in middle-aged individuals in many countries. Previous studies have identified associations of several gene polymorphisms with susceptibility to microvascular complications of DM in various worldwide populations. In our study, we aimed to test the hypothesis of the associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of the VEGF (−2549I/D), RAGE (−429T/C and −374T/A), TCF7L2 (rs7903146), and ITGA2 (BglII) genes with a predisposition to DR among T2DM patients in the Kazakhstan population. Materials and Methods: We conducted a case–control study comparing the genotype distribution and allele frequencies between groups of DR patients (N = 94), diabetic patients without DR (N = 94), and healthy controls (N = 51). Genotypes were identified using the PCR-RFLP method. Results: In all cases, the genotype distribution corresponded to the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. The groups of diabetic patients with and without DR did not significantly differ in the genotype distribution of the SNPs studied. Differences between both groups of diabetic patients and healthy controls in four out of five SNPs were also not significant. At the same time, both groups of diabetic patients differed significantly from healthy controls in genotype distribution (p = 0.042 and 0.005, respectively) and allele frequencies (p = 0.021 and 0.002, respectively) of the BglII polymorphism in the ITGA2 gene. After adjusting for multiple comparisons, the differences between the group of diabetic patients without DR and the control group remained significant (pBonf = 0.027 for genotypes and pBonf = 0.009 for alleles). The BglII− allele was associated with diabetes: OR = 1.81 [1.09–2.99] for DR patients, and OR = 2.24 [1.34–3.75] for diabetic patients without DR. The association was also observed in the subset of Kazakhs. Conclusions: This study shows that the BglII polymorphism in the ITGA2 gene can be associated with T2DM but not with DR. According to our data, the risk allele for diabetes is the wild BglII− allele, and not the minor BglII+, which is considered as risky for DR.

Genetics of Diabetic Retinopathy, a Leading Cause of Irreversible Blindness in the Industrialized World

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a chronic complication of diabetes and a leading cause of blindness in the industrialized world. Traditional risk factors, such as glycemic control and duration of diabetes, are unable to explain why some individuals remain protected while others progress to a more severe form of the disease. Differences are also observed in DR heritability as well as the response to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment. This review discusses various aspects of genetics in DR to shed light on DR pathogenesis and treatment. First, we discuss the global burden of DR followed by a discussion on disease pathogenesis as well as the role genetics plays in the prevalence and progression of DR. Subsequently, we provide a review of studies related to DR’s genetic contribution, such as candidate gene studies, linkage studies, and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) as well as other clinical and meta-analysis studies that have identified putative candidate genes. With the advent of newer cutting-edge technologies, identifying the genetic components in DR has played an important role in understanding DR incidence, progression, and response to treatment, thereby developing newer therapeutic targets and therapies.

The relationship between aldose reductase gene C106T polymorphism and the severity of retinopathy in Type 2 diabetic patients: A case-control study

Background:

Hyperglycemia over-activates glucose reduction to sorbitol by aldose reductase (ALR) leading to osmoregulation disruption and cellular damage that cause diabetic complications. We investigated the association of C106T polymorphism of ALR2 gene with the severity of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in Jordanian Type 2 diabetic patients in this case-control study at the Ophthalmology clinic of the National Centre of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Genetics.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 277 subjects participated in the study (100 diabetics without retinopathy, 82 diabetics with retinopathy, and 95 controls). Blood samples were withdrawn followed by DNA extraction. C106T polymorphism was examined by polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism and gel electrophoresis. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS software using analysis of variance, multiple logistic regression or Chi-square test.

Results:

The CT and TT genotypes were significantly more prevalent in DR patients than those without DR (CT 50% vs. 38%, TT 16.7% vs. 8%, P = 0.02 and 0.01, respectively). DR patients had T allele more frequently than those without it (41.7% vs. 27%, P = 0.007). Diabetics without retinopathy showed similar genotype and allele frequency to those of nondiabetic controls. No correlation between CT/TT genotypes and the severity of DR in affected subjects was found (χ²: 3.049, P = 0.550).

Conclusion:

C106T polymorphism increased the risk to develop retinopathy in Jordanian Type 2 diabetic patients. T allele of ALR2 was associated with DR. The severity of DR did not show an association with this polymorphism.

Association between Aldose Reductase Gene C(-106)T Polymorphism and Diabetic Retinopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Controversial results regarding the associations between aldose reductase (AR) genetic polymorphisms and diabetic retinopathy (DR) have been reported for many years. The present meta-analysis was performed to clarify the effects of the AR gene C(-106)T polymorphism on DR risk. The PubMed, Web of Sciences, Cochrane library, EMBASE, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wan Fang databases were extensively searched in Chinese to select relevant studies with an updated date of April 25, 2018. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was applied to assess quality. The random-effects model was applied to calculate the pooled OR and 95% CI. This meta-analysis identified 23 studies with an average score of 7.52 for NOS analysis, including 4,313 DR cases and 5,128 diabetes mellitus (DM) control cases. In the overall analysis, a significant association between the AR gene C(-106)T polymorphism and DR susceptibility was found. In subgroups stratified by DM type and ethnicity, significantly increased risks for DR were found in DM type 1, East Asian populations, and Middle Eastern populations. Compared with DR control cases, the following associations were found: T vs. C: OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.85-0.97, I2 = 72.9%; CT + TT vs. CC: OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.68-0.81, I2 = 86.7%; and CT vs. CC: OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.78-0.94, I2 = 70.5%. The results of this meta-analysis showed a significant association between the AR gene C(-106)T polymorphism and susceptibility to DR in DM patients. DM patients with allele T and CT+TT genotype of the AR gene may have a lower risk of DR.

Meta-analysis of the association between aldose reductase gene (CA)n microsatellite variants and risk of diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most severe microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus (DM). The (CA)n microsatellite variation of the aldose reductase (ALR) gene has been indicated to be associated with DR in previous studies; however, the results were inconclusive. To provide a more precise evaluation of the association between the (CA)n variations of ALR and the risk for DR, a meta-analysis was performed in the present study. Relevant articles were retrieved from the PubMed, Embase, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure and Cochrane Library databases. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate the strength of the associations. The present meta-analysis included 17 studies comprising 1,575 DM patients with retinopathy and 1,741 DM patients without retinopathy. The results indicated that the Z-2 allele was a risk factor for DR in Asian (OR=1.82, 95% CI: 1.16-2.86, P=0.009) and Caucasian (OR=2.08, 95% CI: 1.14-3.79, P=0.02) populations, as well as in type 1 diabetes (T1D; OR=3.42, 95% CI: 1.46-8.04, P=0.005) and type 2 diabetes (T2D; OR=1.66, 95% CI: 1.05-2.63, P=0.03). Furthermore, the Z+2 allele was determined to be a protective factor for DR in Caucasian individuals (OR=0.50, 95% CI: 0.34-0.73, P=0.0004) and those with T1D (OR=0.39, 95% CI: 0.27-0.57, P<0.00001). Z+4 was also identified to be a protective factor, reducing the risk of DR in patients with T1D (OR=0.74, 95% CI: 0.57-0.96, P=0.02). Z-4 was revealed to be a risk factor for DR in Asian populations (OR=1.57, 95% CI: 1.22-2.03, P=0.0005) and in individuals with T1D (OR=1.62, 95% CI: 1.27-2.08, P=0.0001). However, no association was detected between the Z, Z+6 and Z-6 alleles and the risk of DR (P>0.05). In conclusion, the present results revealed the following: Z+2 may serve as a protective factor for DR in Caucasian individuals and those with T1D; Z+4 may be a protective factor for DR in patients with T2D; Z-2 may represent a risk factor for DR in all subgroups analyzed; and Z-4 may be a risk factor for DR in Asian populations and patients with T2D.

Effects of Choroidal Thickness on Refractive Outcome Following Cataract Surgery in Primary Angle Closure

Purpose

To identify the preoperative biometric factors, including subfoveal choroidal thickness (CT), associated with refractive outcome after cataract surgery in eyes with primary angle closure (PAC).

Methods

This study included 50 eyes of 50 PAC patients who underwent uneventful cataract surgery. Preoperatively, anterior segment parameters including anterior chamber depth (ACD) and lens vault were determined by anterior segment optical coherence tomography. Subfoveal CT was measured by spectral domain optical coherence tomography enhanced depth imaging before and at one month after surgery. Mean refractive error (MRE) was calculated as the difference in spherical equivalent between actual postoperative refraction determined one month postoperatively and that predicted using each of three IOL calculation formulas (SRK/II, SRK/T, and Haigis). Regression analyses were performed to investigate potential associations between MRE and putative factors.

Results

Mean ACD was 1.9 ± 0.4 mm, and preoperative subfoveal CT was 250.8 ± 56.9 µm. The SRK/T (MRE, 0.199 ± 0.567 diopters [D]) and Haigis (MRE, 0.190 ± 0.727 D) formulas showed slight hyperopic shift, while the SRK/II formula demonstrated a myopic shift (MRE, −0.077 ± 0.623 D) compared with that expected after cataract surgery. Mean absolute refractive error was not significantly different between formulas. Higher preoperative lens vault and shallower ACD were associated with a hyperopic shift in all formulas, but not in a statistically significant manner. Thicker preoperative subfoveal choroid was associated with a myopic shift after cataract surgery in all formulas (SRK/II: β = −0.511, p < 0.001; SRK/T: β = −0.652, p < 0.001; Haigis: β = −0.671, p < 0.001). Greater postoperative reduction of subfoveal CT was associated with a myopic shift after cataract surgery in all formulas (SRK/II: β = −0.511, p < 0.001; SRK/T: β = −0.652, p < 0.001; Haigis: β = −0.671, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our results indicate that preoperative subfoveal CT and the difference between pre- and postoperative subfoveal CT are significant factors for predicting refractive error after cataract surgery in PAC patients. These findings should be considered when performing cataract surgery to optimize visual outcomes.

Diabetic macular oedema: under-represented in the genetic analysis of diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy, a complication of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, is a complex disease and is one of the leading causes of blindness in adults worldwide. It can be divided into distinct subclasses, one of which is diabetic macular oedema. Diabetic macular oedema can occur at any time in diabetic retinopathy and is the most common cause of vision loss in patients with type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this review is to summarize the large number of genetic association studies that have been performed in cohorts of patients with type 2 diabetes and published in English-language journals up to February 2017. Many of these studies have produced positive associations with gene polymorphisms and diabetic retinopathy. However, this review highlights that within this large body of work, studies specifically addressing a genetic association with diabetic macular oedema, although present, are vastly under-represented. We also highlight that many of the studies have small patient numbers and that meta-analyses often inappropriately combine patient data sets. We conclude that there will continue to be conflicting results and no meaningful findings will be achieved if the historical approach of combining all diabetic retinopathy disease states within patient cohorts continues in future studies. This review also identifies several genes that would be interesting to analyse in large, well-defined cohorts of patients with diabetic macular oedema in future candidate gene association studies.

Difference of uveal parameters between the acute primary angle closure eyes and the fellow eyes

Purpose

To measure the anterior and posterior ocular biometric characteristics concurrently and to explore the relationship between iris, ciliary body and choroid in acute primary angle closure eyes (APAC) and fellow eyes.

Methods

It is a prospective, cross-sectional study. Thirty patients with recent APAC were finally enroled in it. Anterior and posterior uveal parameters were measured simultaneously by anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT), swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM). The parameters were measured including: pupil diameter (PD); iris thickness, curvature (ICURV), area (IAREA); anterior chamber depth (ACD), width (ACW), area (ACA), volume (ACV); lens vault (LV); choroidal thickness and retinal thickness; maximum ciliary body thickness (CBTmax); ciliary body thickness at the point of the scleral spur (CBT0) and 1000 mm away (CBT1000); anterior placement of the ciliary body (APCB); and trabecular-ciliary angle (TCA).

Results

Compared with fellow eyes, APAC eyes had narrower anterior biometric parameters and presented with smaller anterior segment parameters (including ACD and ACW); (p < 0.01)), smaller IAREA and ICURV (p < 0.001), larger LV (p = 0.035), thinner ciliary body and less anterior ciliary process (p < 0.01). After adjustment for potential confounders (axial length, spherical equivalent and PD), APCB was positive correlated with choroidal thickness and CBT, and CBT was positive correlated with choroidal thickness.

Conclusions

Compared with fellow eyes, APAC eyes had narrower anterior biometric parameters, thinner ciliary body and smaller iris area and curvature. APCB, CBT and choroidal thickness were positively correlated. However, further studies are required before these conclusions are generalised.

AR C-106T gene polymorphism and diabetic nephropathy in the Eastern Asians with T2DM: A meta-analysis including 2120 subjects

BACKGROUND

Aldose reductase (AR) gene C-106T polymorphism may be associated with diabetic nephropathy (DN) susceptibility, but the results of individual studies remain controversial.

OBJECTIVE AND METHODS

To explore the relationship between AR gene C-106T gene polymorphism and DN in the Eastern Asians with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) population, we conducted a meta-analysis of 2120 participants from 5 studies. Pooled odds ratio (ORs) and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were evaluated by either a fixed or random-effects models.

RESULTS

AR C-106T gene polymorphism was significantly associated with DN in the Eastern Asians population with T2DM under allelic (OR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.30-2.52, P=0.0005), recessive (OR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.20-2.97, P=0.006), dominant (OR: 9.22, 95% CI: 2.73-31.12, P=0.0003), homozygous (OR:2.27, 95% CI: 1.43-3.61, P=0.0005), heterozygous (OR: 5.75, 95% CI: 1.96-16.81, P=0.001), and additive genetic models (OR: 2.27, 95% CI: 1.48-3.48, P=0.0002).

CONCLUSIONS

In the Eastern Asians with T2DM, the AR gene C-106T gene polymorphism is correlated with an increased risk of DN. The Eastern Asians with the T allele of AR gene C-106T gene polymorphism might be susceptible to DN.

Candidate gene studies of diabetic retinopathy in human

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a multifactorial disease with complex pathophysiology. It is the main cause of blindness among the people in productive age. The purpose of this literature review is to highlight recent achievements in the genetics of diabetic retinopathy with particular focus on candidate gene studies. We summarized most of the available published data about candidate genes for diabetic retinopathy with the goal to identify main genetic aspects. We conclude that genetic studies reported contradictory findings and no genetic variants meet criteria of a diagnostic marker, or significantly elucidate the root of DR development. Based on these findings it is important to continue with the research in the field of DR genetics, mainly due to the fact that currently new possibilities and approaches associated with utilization of next-generation sequencing are available.