Association of -374T/A Rage Gene Polymorphism in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients with Diabetic Nephropathy in South Indian Population

Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a leading microvascular complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Genetic factors, such as polymorphisms in the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) gene, have been proposed to influence susceptibility to DN. The -374T/A polymorphism, located in the RAGE promoter region, may modulate gene expression and affect disease risk. Objective: To evaluate the association between RAGE -374T/A gene polymorphism and the presence of diabetic nephropathy in T2DM patients from the Kolar region of Karnataka, India. Methods: A case-control study was conducted among T2DM patients with and without nephropathy. Genotyping for the RAGE -374T/A polymorphism was performed using PCR-RFLP. Clinical parameters including HbA1c, urine microalbumin, and lipid profile were recorded and compared between groups. Results: The distribution of RAGE -374T/A genotypes (TT, TA, AA) showed no statistically significant difference between patients with and without nephropathy (p > 0.05). However, HbA1c and urine microalbumin levels were significantly elevated in patients with nephropathy (p < 0.05). Dyslipidemia was also more prevalent in the nephropathy group, with higher triglycerides and LDL levels and lower HDL levels. Conclusion: The RAGE -374T/A gene polymorphism is not associated with diabetic nephropathy in the studied South Indian population. However, elevated HbA1c, microalbuminuria, and dyslipidemia are significantly associated with DN and should remain primary focus areas in clinical risk assessment DOI:https://doi.org/10.52783/jchr.v15.i3.8680