Matrix metalloproteinase-3 gene polymorphism (rs3025058) affects markers atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background: The study was designed to test the possible association between either polymorphisms of the matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) gene (rs17576, rs3918242) or the MMP-3 5A/6A gene polymorphism (rs3025058) with markers of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The second aim of the study was to demonstrate an association between either the rs17576, rs3918242 or rs3025058 and subclinical markers of coronary artery disease in the same subset of patients with T2DM.

Patients And Methods: A total of 595 subjects with T2DM and 200 subjects without T2DM (control group) were enrolled in the prospective study.

C-reactive protein as a marker of progression of carotid atherosclerosis in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background: This prospective study was designed to evaluate the effect of inflammatory markers on the presence and progression of subclinical markers of carotid atherosclerosis in a 3.8-year follow-up period in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Patients And Methods: A total of 595 subjects with T2DM were enrolled.

Polymorphism rs5498 of the ICAM-1 gene affects the progression of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background: Adhesion molecules are involved in the development of atherosclerosis. An increased level of the ICAM 1 molecule is associated with numerous inflammatory diseases including atherosclerosis of carotid arteries. The rs5498 (K469E) polymorphism of the ICAM-1 gene leads to an increase in the level of serum ICAM.

General public awareness of heart failure: results of questionnaire survey during Heart Failure Awareness Day 2011.

Introduction: General public views about heart failure (HF) alone and in comparison with other chronic conditions are largely unknown; thus we conducted this survey to evaluate general public awareness about HF and HF disease burden relative to common chronic disease.

Material And Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey during European Heart Failure Awareness Day 2011. People visiting the stands and other activities in 12 Slovenian cities were invited to complete a 14-item questionnaire.

Is diabetic cardiomyopathy a specific entity?

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is characterised by hyperglycemia, insulin resistance and metabolic dysregulation leading to diastolic and systolic dysfunction in diabetes. In this review, the pathogenetic and pathomorphological changes leading to diastolic and systolic dysfunction in diabetes are discussed. Changes in metabolic signalling pathways, mediators and effectors contribute to the pathogenesis of cardiac dysfunction in DM called diabetic cardiomyopathy (DC).