MTHFR Polymorphisms and Cardiac Parameters in Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is directly associated with cardiovascular dysfunctions and microvascular complications, such as diabetic retinopathy (DR). The association between DR and increased risks of developing cardiovascular diseases has been described. The low activity of the Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), an enzyme involved in the metabolism of homocysteine, can lead to hyperhomocysteinemia that has already been related to cardiac outcomes and resistance to insulin. The A1298C and C677T polymorphisms in the MTHFR can reduce enzyme activity. OBJECTIVE: The study aims to analyze the association between MTHFR genotypes and cardiac parameters in patients with DR. METHODS: DM patients diagnosed with DR (n=65) were categorized and compared according to MTHFR genotypes A1298C (AA and AC+CC groups) and C677T (CC and CT+TT) groups; biochemical, cardiological, anthropometric, genetic, lifestyle and vitamin B9 and B12 consumption variables. Fischer's exact test and Poisson regression were performed to assess the relationship between variables. RESULTS: Comparing echocardiographic and electrocardiogram parameters within genotypic groups, we found a significant association between left atrial dilation and C677T polymorphism. Left atrium diameter was higher in the T allele carriers (CT+TT group), with a prevalence ratio of 0.912. This association was confirmed in the regression model, including confounding variables. The other cardiac structural and functional parameters studied were not significantly associated with the A1298C or C677T genotypes. CONCLUSION: The MTHFR C677T genotype may contribute to atrial remodeling in RD patients. We found an association between the diameter of the left atrium and the T allele of the MTHFR C677T polymorphism in patients with DR.

Potential role of Limosilactobacillus fermentum as a probiotic with anti-diabetic properties: A review.

Oxidative stress, inflammation, and gut microbiota impairments have been implicated in the development and maintenance of diabetes mellitus. Strategies capable of recovering the community of commensal gut microbiota and controlling diabetes mellitus have increased in recent years. Some lactobacilli strains have an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory system capable of protecting against oxidative stress, inflammation, and diabetes mellitus. Experimental studies and some clinical trials have demonstrated that Limosilactobacillus fermentum strains can beneficially modulate the host antioxidant and anti-inflammatory system, resulting in the amelioration of glucose homeostasis in diabetic conditions. This review presents and discusses the currently available studies on the identification of Limosilactobacillus fermentum strains with anti-diabetic properties, their sources, range of dosage, and the intervention time in experiments with animals and clinical trials. This review strives to serve as a relevant and well-cataloged reference of Limosilactobacillus fermentum strains capable of inducing anti-diabetic effects and promoting health benefits.