Objective
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is the most common type 2 diabetes complication. The research team hypothesized that diabetes directly affects whether or not certain genes are expressed, which leads to nerve injury. Thus, they investigated regulation of gene expression through so-called “epigenetic” mechanisms in human sural nerves, which run along the back of the lower leg and control foot function.
Conclusions
As anticipated, sural nerve from type 2 diabetes patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy had altered gene expression and epigenetic profiles, particularly in pathways related to nerve growth, immune system, and tissue remodeling. This suggests that optimal glycemic control, i.e., blood sugar levels, in type 2 diabetes patients with peripheral neuropathy is necessary for maintaining balanced gene expression and epigenetic profiles, and ultimately, nerve health.