D3.338 - The sCD14 level in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus may be related to the -786T/C polymorphism of the NOS3 gene

sCD14 is one of the major molecules providing endotoxin-mediated inflammation and affecting non-myeloid cells such as vascular endothelium. The NO effector, which plays an important role in angiogenesis, is also involved in endothelial function, which can influence the development of atherosclerosis, vascular tone, insulin resistance and the occurrence of diabetes mellitus. This study determines whether NOS3 gene polymorphism affects sCD14 levels in DM1 patients.

92 patients with a verified diagnosis of DM1 were assessed. All patients had the content  of sCD14 (Me (Q1-Q3); ng/mL) in plasma determined by quantitative high-sensitivity enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using ELISA test manufactured by Cloud Clone corp. (Wuhan, Hubei, China). Allele-specific polymerase chain reaction with electrophoretic detection was used to analyze the NOS3 -786T/C polymorphism. DNA was isolated from whole blood of patients with DM1 using the DNA Express blood DNA isolation kit according to the manufacturer's instructions.

sCD14 level was significantly higher in the group of patients with DM1 and TT variant of -786T/C NOS3 polymorphism – 35.9 (9.7-80.4), than in CT variant – 8.7 (4.25-10,4) (p=0.018).           

The -786T/C polymorphism of NOS3 gene may affect sCD14 levels in patients with type 1 DM. There may be an influence of NOS3 polymorphism on the  response to endotoxin, which may be related to the development of vascular disorders in patients with DM1.