Association of apolipoprotein E polymorphism with type 2 diabetes mellitus in a Saudi population

DNA Cell Biol. 2014 Sep;33(9):637-41. doi: 10.1089/dna.2014.2461. Epub 2014 Jun 30.

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia. It is considered to be a major risk factor for obesity and cardiovascular diseases. The cause of T2DM is likely due to a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) gene plays a key role in lipid metabolism. The aim of this contemporary study was to investigate the ApoE polymorphism in a Saudi population with T2DM subjects. Two common single-nucleotide polymorphisms, that is, rs429358 and rs7412, in the ApoE gene were genotyped by TaqMan assay in T2DM patients (n=438) and controls (n=460). The results of the present study indicate that ApoE polymorphism was significantly associated with T2DM in a Saudi population with the ɛ2 and ɛ4 alleles (p=0.0001). We found statistically significant difference in the genotype distribution between T2DM patients and controls [for E4/E4: OR, 4.39 (95% CI: 2.16-8.92); p=0.0001]. A significant difference was observed in the lipid profile parameters, like triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and ApoE alleles (p=0.0001). Further studies are carried out in a Saudi population with different diseases to confirm the risk allele. In conclusion, our study results suggest that ApoE variants constitute risk markers of T2DM in a Saudi population.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Apolipoproteins E / genetics*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / genetics*
  • Diterpenes
  • Female
  • Gene Frequency
  • Genetic Association Studies
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide*
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Apolipoproteins E
  • Diterpenes
  • saudin