Association of TCF7L2 Gene Polymorphisms with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the Population of Juana Koslay, San Luis Province, Argentina

Abstract

Polymorphisms in the gene coding for transcription factor 7 like 2 (TCF7L2) are recognized as thestrongest common genetic risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) across multiple ethnicities.This study was conducted to evaluate an association between TCF7L2 variants and diabetessusceptibility in the population of Juana Koslay, San Luis, Argentina. We genotyped 2 singlenucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) rs7903146 and rs12255372 in controls and diabetic subjects.Association with T2DM was found for both SNPs rs7903146 and rs12255372 in the whole sample(under a dominant genetic model, the odds ratios (OR) were 3.43, 95% CI [1.879 - 6.255], p <0.0001 and OR = 4.40, 95% CI [2.318 - 8.351], p < 0.0001, respectively). The risk conferred by homozygotesis much higher than the heterozygote carriers and it is marked in case of rs7903146.The haplotype that consisted of two minor alleles (TT) or the haplotypes carrying at least one ofthe minor alleles at SNP rs7903146 or rs12255372 (i.e. CT or TG) were more frequent in the groupof T2DM. The impact of TCF7L2 variation on T2DM risk in Juana Koslay population is compatiblewith that demonstrated by a range of studies conducted in various ethnic groups.