Three novel polymorphisms in the promoter region of the TIMP-3 gene are not associated with proliferative diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Purpose. Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP-3) is a member of the TIMP family of proteins, playing a significant role in the control of extracellular matrix remodelling. TIMP-3 might play a role in the regulation of retinal neovascularization during progression of diabetic retinopathy. Recently, three novel polymorphisms (-899T/A, -915A/G and -1296T/C) in the promoter region of the TIMP-3 gene have been identified. The aim of the study was to investigate a possible association of these polymorphisms with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods. Genotypes were detected by polymerase chain reaction and subsequent restriction with specific endonucleases. Allele frequencies were determined in an association study comprising three groups of subjects (n=371). Results. Linkage disequilibrium was found among the three polymorphisms (Pless than or equal to0.01). Allele frequencies did not differ between neither T2DM+PDR and T2DM non-PDR subjects (P>0.05) nor between all T2DM versus non-diabetic subjects (P>0.05). Conclusions. Polymorphisms in the promoter region of the TIMP-3 gene were not associated with the PDR in the Caucasian T2DM patients.