Mn-SOD 47 CC genotype in combination with high tea consumption may prevent complications in Tunisian type-2 diabetes.

Reactive oxygen species metabolizing enzymes may play an important role in the prevention of type-2 diabetes (T2D) complications. We analyzed the association between Cu/Zn-SOD +35 A/C, Mn-SOD T47C, and CAT -21 A/T gene polymorphisms and complications, in combination with tea consumption in Tunisian T2D. A sample of 366 T2D subjects was enrolled in this study. All participants were asked about tea consumption and frequency. Anthropometric, clinical, and routine biochemical characteristics were obtained from subjects' updated medical records. Malondialdehyde, as an early marker of lipid peroxidation, was measured in plasma samples. Urinary polyphenol derivatives (UPDs), as a marker of polyphenols intake, were assessed by the Folin-Ciocalteu assay. SODs and CAT genotypes were determined by conventional restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction (RFLP-PCR) methods. From all subjects, the results showed that in high tea consumers (>3 cups/day), the frequency of the Mn-SOD 47 CC genotype was significantly higher in T2D without complications compared with T2D with complications (P = 0.03; OR = 0.284; 95%CI = 0.086-0.939). However, no significant associations were observed with Cu/Zn-SOD +35 A/C or CAT -21 A/T genes polymorphisms. Additionally, the evaluation of UPDs showed that individuals carrying the Mn-SOD 47 CC genotype and consuming more than three cups of tea per day present significantly higher UPDs (P = 0.038). In conclusion, the Mn-SOD 47 C variant in combination with high tea consumption may provide protection against complications in T2D.

Relationship between glutathione S-transferase P1 polymorphisms and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a Tunisian population.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a multifactorial disease with possible genetic predisposition and involvement of various environmental factors. Several candidate genes have been reported as potentially associated with this lung disease. The glutathione S-transferase P1 gene (GSTP1) was proposed to be involved in susceptibility to develop COPD. It belongs to the GST family, which is a group of phase II enzymes that catalyze the glutathione conjugation of many endogenous and exogenous electrophilic compounds, such as carcinogens, therapeutic drugs, environmental toxins, and oxidative stress products. We conducted a case-control study to investigate genetic polymorphisms of this enzyme [exon 5 (Ile105Val) and exon 6 (Ala114Val)] in 234 unrelated COPD cases and 182 healthy controls from a Tunisian population. Genotyping was carried out using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism methods. GSTP1 Ala114/Val114 and Val114/Val114 genotypes were not found in either patients or healthy controls. However, there were differences in the distribution of various exon 5 GSTP1 genotypes between COPD patients and healthy controls. GSTP1 Val105/Val105 was significantly more common in patients compared to controls (OR = 2.67; 95%CI = 1.45-4.92; P = 0.0013). Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed a significant relationship between the mutant genotype and COPD (OR = 2.58; 95%CI = 1.31-5.09; P = 0.026), after adjustment for classic risk factors. Analysis of variance showed no correlation between age, body-mass index, pack-years, percentage of predicted FEV1 values, and any of the GSTP1 genotypes. We conclude that subjects with GSTP1 Val105 allele are at higher risk of COPD.

Alpha 1 antitrypsin polymorphism in the Tunisian population with special reference to pulmonary disease.

OBJECTIVES: The study investigated alpha 1 antitrypsin (AAT) gene polymorphism in the Tunisian population. We aimed to analyze the correlation between Pi polymorphism and the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We focused our study on two samples originating from the Tunisian centre: 318 healthy controls and 90 patients suffering from COPD. Data analysis was investigated by AAT level quantification, serum isoelectric focusing (IEF) and RFLP-PCR performed with PiS and PiZ allele specific primers. RESULTS: We calculated PiM1, PiM2, PiM3, PiS and PiZ allele frequencies in patients and controls. The difference in allele frequencies is significant only for the PiM2 allele (P=0.00378). In COPD patients, we note the presence of PiZ allele. This allele mainly observed in European populations, is rare in sub-Saharian populations and not described in North Africa. CONCLUSION: PiZ allele is found in COPD sample and never in Tunisian controls. However, no significant difference in PiZ allele frequency between patients and controls can be concluded. PiM2 allele, which is considered as "normal" variant can be associated with COPD risk.