1267 HSP70-2 polymorphism as a risk factor for carotid plaque rupture and cerebral ischaemia in old type 2 diabetes-atherosclerotic patients

B+ patients showed increased HSP70-2, IL-6, IFN-γ, TNF-α and dyslipidemia as compared to B− carriers. The frequency of soft plaques increased in B+ in comparison to B− patients (67% versus 13%; odds ratio 13.0, p = 0.0006). A higher frequency of cerebral ischaemia (ictus or transient ischaemic attack (TIA)) was present in B+ than in B− genotype (53% versus 20%; odds ratio 4.57, p < 0.05) Hence, 1267 HSP70-2 polymorphism may be of use in identifying B+ NIDDM patients at risk for carotid plaque rupture and cerebral ischaemia.