C(-106)T polymorphism of the aldose reductase gene and the progression rate of diabetic retinopathy.

Purpose: To study the C(-106)T polymorphism in the promoter of the aldose reductase (ALR2) gene: (a) its local prevalence and (b) its modulation of the susceptibility for developing retinopathy.

Methods: DNAs of 96 control subjects and 53 long-standing (duration 17.9+/-5.