Restriction fragment length polymorphisms of the human aldose reductase gene: a preliminary report.

ABSTRACT

Abnormal metabolism through the polyol pathway during episodes of hyperglycaemia is implicated in the development of the chronic complications of diabetes. Since aldose reductase is the first and ratelimiting enzyme of the polyol pathway, it is predicted that restriction fragment length polymorphisms at the aldose reductase gene locus may influence catalytic activity and determine individual susceptibility to the diabetic complications. This paper reports the existence of EcoRI and TaqI restriction fragment length polymorphisms at the human aldose reductase locus.