DNA Methylation Profiles of , , , and Genes in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy.

We explored differences in the DNA methylation statuses of , , , and gene promoter regions in patients with type 1 diabetes and different diabetic retinopathy (DR) stages. Study subjects included individuals with no DR (NDR, = 41), those with non-proliferative DR (NPDR, = 27), and individuals with proliferative DR or those who underwent laser photocoagulation (PDR/LPC, = 46). DNA methylation was determined by Zymo OneStep qMethyl technique. The methylation of (NDR 5.9 (3.9-8.7) %, NPDR 4.5 (3.8-5.7) %, PDR/LPC 6.6 (4.7-10.7) %, = 0.003) and (NDR 2.2 (1.9-3.7) %, NPDR 2.2 (1.9-3.0) %, PDR/LPC 3.2 (2.5-7.1) %, < 0.01) differed across the groups. Consistent correlations were observed between the methylation levels of and in all study groups. DNA methylation levels of , , and genes were positively correlated with the duration of diabetes, HbA1c, and albuminuria in certain study groups. Univariate regression models revealed a significant association between the methylation level z-scores of , , and and severe DR (: OR = 1.96 (1.15; 3.33), = 0.013; : OR = 1.90 (1.14; 3.16), = 0.013; : OR = 3.19 (1.26; 8.06), = 0.014). remained significantly associated with DR in multivariate analysis. Our findings suggest significant associations between the severity of DR and the DNA methylation levels of the genes , , and , but not gene.