Effects of the genetic variants and serum levels of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 on type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Turkish population

Aim: Genetic and environmental factors are very important in the formation of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs) play central roles in inhibition of the extent of extracellular matrix degradation. The aim of this study is to investigate serum levels and gene polymorphisms of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2, and their effects on T2DM in the Turkish population. Material and Methods: One hundred seventeen patients with T2DM and 127 healthy controls were included in this study. TIMP-1 372 T>C, TIMP-2 303C>T, and TIMP-2 418 G>C polymorphisms were determined by PCR-RFLP method and serum TIMPs levels were measured by ELISA. Results: The frequencies of the TT genotype and T allele of the TIMP-2 303 C>T polymorphism were significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group. The frequency of the C allele for TIMP-2 418 G>C polymorphism was significantly higher in the control group than in patients. TIMP-1 372 T>C polymorphism was not statistically significant between patients and controls. Additionally, TIMP-1 serum levels were statistically higher in T2DM patients than in controls. Discussion: This study provides the first evidence that the TT genotype and T allele of the TIMP-2 303 C>T polymorphism significantly contribute to the risk of T2DM in the Turkish population. Also, carrying the C allele of the TIMP-2 418 G>C polymorphism had a protective effect against the development of T2DM. In addition, our results suggest that the C allele of the TIMP-1 372 T>C polymorphism may have protective effects against the development of T2DM.