Independent predicative value of plasma homocysteine levels for diabetic nephropathy

Objective To explore the relationship between plasma homocysteine levels and diabetic nephropathy( DNP). Methods In 66 type 2 diabetic patients with nephropathy and 105 type 2 diabetic patients without nephropathy,factors possibly associated with risk of diabetic nephropathy or plasma homocysteine level,including plasma homocysteine concentrations,duration of diabetes,age,blood pressure,preprandial blood glucose( PBG) ,plasma HbA1c,plasma lipids,serum Cystain C and creatinine,serum folic acid and vitamin B12,were analyzed in relation to likelihood of occurrence of DNP. Results Among non-plasma homocysteine risk factors,only duration of diabetes was an independent predicator of diabetic nephropathy( P 0. 01) ; Plasma homocysteine level was significantly higher in patients with diabetic nephropathy( 13. 9 ± 3. 7) μmol/L than without diabetic nephropathy( 7. 9 ± 2. 0) μmol/L ( P 0. 01) ,and the association remained significant after adjusting for duration of diabetes,HbA1c,serum folate acid and serum vitamin B12 in multivariate logistic regression analysis[OR 1. 27( 1. 12 ～ 1. 46) ,P 0. 05]. Conclusions Hyperhomocysteinemia may be a risk factor,an independent predicator of,diabetic nephropathy.