The development of diabetic nephropathy has been linked to several genetic polymorphisms, including those related with homocysteine metabolism such as the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR)and the cystathionine-beta-synthase genes. Such alterations are associated with hyperhomocysteinemia, which is a known independent risk factor for the development of endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. In the Mexican population there is a high prevalence of the C677T MTHFR mutation. The investigators performed this study to evaluate the prevalence of this polymorphism in type 2 diabetic patients with diabetic nephropathy compared with type 2 diabetic patients without nephropathy, besides evaluating the relationship of hyperhomocysteinemia with endothelial dysfunction and microalbuminuria before and after the administration of folic acid. We proposed that the endothelial dysfunction caused by the hyperhomocysteinemia could be reversed after the administration of folic acid.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
40
Administration of a daily tablet containing 5 mg of folic acid for 4 months.
Administration of an oral placebo pill
Hospital Universitario "José E. González"
Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
Change in albumin excretion rate
Time frame: Four months
Change in serum homocysteine, thrombomodulin and von Willebrand factor.
Time frame: Four months.
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.