Polymorphisms rs1800587 and rs1143634 of the interleukin-1α gene are associated with the progression of carotid atherosclerosis in Caucasians with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background: Our study was designed to test the possible association between either polymorphisms T889C (rs1800587) or C3954T (rs1143634) of the interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α) gene with subclinical markers of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Moreover, the effect of both polymorphisms on progression of carotid atherosclerosis in 3.8-year follow-up was studied. Patients and methods: 595 subjects with T2DM were enrolled in the prospective study. Subclinical markers of carotid atherosclerosis were assessed with ultrasound at the time of recruitment and after 3.8-years. Genotyping of two polymorphisms (rs1800587, rs1143634) was performed with real-time PCR System. Results: The comparison of atherosclerosis parameters was performed with regard to different genotypes of IL-1α rs1800587 and rs1143634 polymorphisms upon enrolment. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed the association of IL-1α rs1143634 on total plaque thickness progression in a 3.8 year follow up. Conclusions: An association between either the IL-1α rs1800587 or rs1143634 and total plaque thickness at the time of recruitment was reported. Additionally, we demonstrated the effect of the IL-1α rs1143634 on total plaque thickness progression in the 3.8-year follow-up in patients with T2DM.