Abstract

BACKGROUND
NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), which is an obligate two-electron reductase that utilizes NAD(P)H as an electron donor and is involved in the protection against oxidative stress, is likely involved in beta-cell destruction. We evaluated the frequency of the NQO1 polymorphism and its association with blood glucose levels. METHODS: Genotypes were determined using a polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism-based assay in 56 patients and 48 healthy subjects. Fasting blood glucose, insulin, and lipid profiles were measured and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA)-insulin resistance (IR) was calculated from fasting glucose and insulin levels in the healthy subjects. RESULTS: The genotype frequencies of NQO1 polymorphism were C/C (56.7%), C/T (42.3%), and T/T (1.0%). There were no associations between the NQO1 polymorphism and body mass index, blood pressure, lipid profile, HbA1c, postprandial glucose, and HOMA-IR. However, NQO1 mutants (C/T and T/T) showed weak but significantly higher fasting blood glucose levels compared with wild type (C/C). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that NQO1 609 C --> T polymorphism may be associated with glucose metabolism.

• Keywords: Blood glucose;Human NQO1;Single nucleotide polymorphism