Polymorphisms of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase genes in patients with post-transplant diabetes mellitus

Background and aims: Post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a metabolic disorder that develops in response to a relative insulin deficiency in patients after organ transplantation treated with immunosuppressive drugs. Several studies have suggested that oxidative stress may be associated with diabetes and its complications. The aim of this study was to examine the association of polymorphisms in superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase genes with PTDM in patients after kidney transplantation.

Methods: The study included 159 patients receiving kidney transplants. PTDM was diagnosed in 21 patients.

Results: Analyzing the C599T (Pro200Leu) polymorphism in the GPX1 gene PTDM was diagnosed in 8.45% of patients with CC genotype, 13.43% with CT and in 28.57% with TT. Allele T was significantly more frequent among patients with PTDM compared to patients without PTDM (OR = 2.14, 95% CI = 1.11-4.12, p = 0.024). There were no associations between SOD1, SOD2 and CAT polymorphisms and PTDM.

Conclusions: The present results suggest that Pro200Leu polymorphism of the GPX1 gene may be associated with the risk of PTDM development in renal graft recipients.