Objective: To investigate the possible association between the Xbal polymorphism of the glycogen synthase gene and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) in Chinese population.
Methods: 216 NIDDM patients and 106 healthy controls were studied. DNA fragment containing Xbal restriction site was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction, digested by the Xbal enzyme and compared by gel electrophoresis with a positive control from Finland.
Results: The Xbal polymorphism was found in 18 of 216 Chinese patients (8.3%) and was also found in 10 of 106 controls (9.4%) (P > 0.05).
Conclusions: The results suggest that the Xbal polymorphism of the glycogen synthase gene could not be used as a genetic marker for NIDDM in Chinese population of Henan Han nationality.