Original investigation
Low mannose-binding lectin (MBL) genotype is associated with future cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetic south asians. a prospective cohort study
1 Department of Nephrology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
2 Department of Internal Medicine, Medical Center Haaglanden, the Hague, the Netherlands
3 Department of Nephrology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
Cardiovascular Diabetology 2011, 10:60 doi:10.1186/1475-2840-10-60
Published: 5 July 2011Abstract
Background
South Asians have a high burden of type 2 diabetes and vascular complications. Vascular inflammation is considered central in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, and the complement system is thought to play an important role. Mannose-Binding Lectin (MBL), which activates the lectin pathway of complement activation, has been introduced as a risk marker of vascular damage. The present study explores the association of MBL levels, genotype and cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetic South Asians.
Methods
We conducted a prospective observational study. A cohort consisting of 168 type 2 diabetic South Asians was followed for a median duration of 7.66 years. At baseline, MBL levels and genotype were determined. The association with future cardiovascular events was assessed by Cox proportional hazard regression.
Results
During follow-up, 31 cardiovascular events occurred in 22 subjects (11 men, 11 women). The O/O genotype was significantly associated with the occurrence of cardiovascular events (hazard ratio 3.42, 95%CI 1.24-9.49, P = 0.018). However, log MBL levels were not associated with the occurrence of cardiovascular events (hazard ratio 0.93, 95% CI 0.50-1.73).
Conclusions
In type 2 diabetic South Asians, the O/O MBL genotype is associated with cardiovascular events, although single serum MBL levels are not.
