Polymorphism rs5498 of the ICAM-1 gene affects the progression of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background Adhesion molecules are involved in the development of atherosclerosis. An increased level of the ICAM 1 molecule is associated with numerous inflammatory diseases including atherosclerosis of carotid arteries. The rs5498 (K469E) polymorphism of the ICAM-1 gene leads to an increase in the level of serum ICAM. We investigated the association between the rs5498 (K469E) polymorphism of the ICAM-1 gene and the progression of carotid atherosclerosis in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).