Grade of inflammation in boys with type 1 diabetes depends on the IVS1 −397T>C estrogen receptor α polymorphism

Abstract

Background and aimsThe effect of estrogens is mediated by activation of estrogen receptors (ERs), which are expressed in many tissues. Because ER-α gene polymorphisms may exert different effects in childhood, in the present study we analyzed associations between the IVS1 −397T>C polymorphism and indicators of inflammatory response as well as late complications in boys with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1). Methods and resultsWe examined 108 young boys with DM1 and 64 healthy age-matched control individuals. ER-α genotyping, as well as the CRP and IL-6 serum level and blood pressure, was analyzed. In our study boys with CC genotype had lower blood pressure and IL-6 and CRP serum levels. Similar results were obtained for DM1 boys with microvascular complications — the blood pressure and serum level of IL-6, but not CRP, were still lower in the CC patients. ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the presence of −397T allele may indicate macro- and microvascular complications in DM1 boys, before the occurrence of first clinical symptoms.