Screening for Genetic Variants Associated with Cardiovascular Diseases in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background Diabetes mellitus is associated with a wide range of cardiovascular diseases that comprise the largest cause of both morbidity and mortality for the diabetic patients. Our objective was to study the allelic and genotypic frequencies of genetic variants that have shown a strong association with cardiovascular disease in diabetic patients with and without cardiovascular complications and to assess the additional contribution of genetic variation in determining the risk for such complications. Methods We have used cardiovascular disease StripAssay kit (Vienna Lab) based on polymerase chain reaction and reverse hybridization. The following mutations were studied: FV G1691A (Leiden), FV H1299R (R2), Prothrombin G20210A, Factor XIII V34L, β-Fibrinogen − 455 G-A, PAI-1 4G/5G, GPIIIa L33P (HPA-1), MTHFR C677T, MTHFR A1298C, ACE I/D, Apo B R3500Q, Apo E2/E3/E4. 36 diabetic patients divided in 2 groups were analyzed: 1) 20 diabetic patients with cardiovascular disease and 2) 16 diabetic patients without cardiovascular disease. Results We found higher than population frequency for the following alleles/genotypes – 5.5% for FV Leiden allele, 9.7% for FVR2 allele, 38.9% for β-Fibrinogen genotype − 455G/A, 58.9% for PAI-1 4G allele, 36.1% for ACE D/D genotype. Statistically higher frequency was established for β-Fibrinogen − 455 G-A in the patients with cardiovascular disease compared to non- cardiovascular disease (55% vs. 18.7%). Conclusions We detected high frequency of β-Fibrinogen − 455 G/A genotype in diabetic patients, especially in these with cardiovascular disease. Based on its pro-inflammatory role and its connection to possible thrombotic events, patients would benefit from anti-inflammatory treatment.