Association between Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Glu298Asp Gene Polymorphism and Diabetic Nephropathy Susceptibility

The association between endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) Glu298Asp gene polymorphism and diabetic nephropathy (DN) risk is still controversial. A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the association between eNOS Glu298Asp gene polymorphism and DN susceptibility. A predefined literature search and selection of eligible relevant studies were performed to collect data from electronic database. Eight articles were identified for the analysis of association between eNOS Glu298Asp gene polymorphism and DN risk. T allele was associated with DN susceptibility in overall populations, in Asians, and for Caucasians (overall populations, p = 0.005; Asians, p = 0.004; Caucasians, p = 0.002). Furthermore, GG genotype might play a protective role against DN onset for overall populations, Asians, Caucasians, and Africans. However, a link between eNOS Glu298Asp gene polymorphism and DN risk was not found in overall populations, Asians, Caucasians, and Brazil population. In conclusion, T allele might become a significant genetic molecular marker for the onset of DN in overall populations, in Asians, and for Caucasians. However, more studies should be performed in the future.