TNF-α Gene G308A Polymorphism: Frequency in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Over the last few years, roles of cytokines in the pathogenesis of human diseases are being studied intensively.1,2 The Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, is a highly active polyfunctional cytokine playing a key role in the pathogenesis of diseases such as Rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson Disease, Obesity, Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and making an impact on the regulation of metabolism in a human organism.3 Under physiological conditions, TNF-α plays a critical role in the regulation of normal differentiation, growth and metabolism of various cells involved in mechanisms of cell death and apoptosis. On the other hand, TNF-α acts as a mediator of inflammation in various human diseases.1,2 Findings from multiple studies demonstrated interrelation between increase in TNF-α levels and the initiation of inflammation and cancer, as well as of some metabolic, autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases.2,5-7 There is convincing evidence of TNF-α as a key pro-inflammatory . ABSTRACT