The role of mdr1 gene polymorphisms in type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Objective: The ABCB1/MDR1 is a 170-kDa transporter protein called P-glycoprotein (Pgp) which has been associated with the transport of cellular lipids and drugs. Recent studies focused on MDR1, and its effects on lipid transport, show that the constitutive expression of P-gp transporter in normal tissues plays an important role in drug disposition and response. In addition, it is known that some polymorphisms on the MDR1 gene alter the expression of the P-gp. This study aims to investigate the effects of the MDR1 C3435T and the C1236T gene polymorphisms on the dyslipidemia of diabetic patients. Material and methods: The PCR-RFLP method has been used on 77 patients and 75 controls in order to determine the MDR1 genotype. Results: There are no statistical differences for the MDR1 C3435T and the C1236T genotype ranges among between our inspected groups. However, the C1236T mutant type T allele ratio increases statistically in the patient group (p = 0.026 OR: 1.679 % 95 CI: 1.062 – 2.652 ). A weak connection has been observed between the MDR1 C3435T C and the C1236T C alleles, according to the linkage disequilibrium analysis. Conclusion: This study is one of the preceding studies, which examines the relationship between MDR1 polymorphisms and type 2 diabetes. Studies on MDR1 genotypes, and their effects on lipid levels are new in literature, hence our study proves to be unique when it comes to both the C3435T and the C1236T polymorphisms in type 2 diabetes patients; however, further research is still needed for the confirmation of our findings.