The connexin 37 (1019C>T) gene polymorphism is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in women with type 1 and 2 diabetes and in women with central obesity.

Abstract:
The gene for connexin 37 (Cx37) is considered to be one of the candidate genes for cardiovascular disease. We evaluated the association between Cx37 (1019C>T) gene polymorphism (Pro319Ser) and ankle brachial blood pressure index (ABI) in women with type 1 (n = 178) and type 2 (n = 111) diabetes, and in women from general population (n = 862). All women were genotyped for Cx37 polymorphism. In addition to traditional cardiovascular risk factors, ABI was analyzed. In women with type 1 diabetes, ABI significantly decreased from TT to CC carriers (p for trend = 0.008). A similar trend was seen in women with type 2 diabetes (p = 0.050) and in women with waist circumference above 75th percentile (94 cm; n = 208) of the general population (p = 0.049). The gene for Cx37 was associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in women with type 1 and 2 diabetes and in women with advanced central obesity. The presence of C allele indicated increased risk.
 
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