Glucokinase gene promoter -30G>A polymorphism: a cross-sectional association study with obesity, diabetes Mellitus, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and metabolic syndrome in an Iranian hospital / Polimorfismo -30G

OBJECTIVE: A -30G>A single nucleotide polymorphism in the promoter region of the glucokinase gene has been previously associated with obesity, insulin resistance and diabetes. The present study aimed to evaluate the association of this polymorphism with obesity and its comorbidities in a population from Northeast Iran. METHODS: Five hundred and forty-two subjects aged 18 to 65 years were included in the study and divided into normal (BMI<25, n=220), overweight (2530, n=187) groups. All subjects were genotyped for the -30G>A polymorphism using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique. RESULTS: The genotypes and allele frequencies of the three groups did not differ significantly (p>0.05). When the study population was categorized according to diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and metabolic syndrome status, no significant difference in -30G>A genotypes and alleles was found between the subgroups with and without these disorders (p>0.05), apart from a significantly higher frequency of the G allele in the hyperlipidemic vs. non-hyperlipidemic subgroup (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study do not support an association between the -30G>A polymorphism and high body mass index in the Iranian population.

OBJETIVO: O polimorfismo de nucleotídeo único -30G>A, na região promotora do gene da glucoquinase, já foi associado à obesidade, resistência insulínica e diabete. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a associação deste polimorfismo com a obesidade e suas comorbidades em uma população do nordeste iraniano. MÉTODOS: Quinhentos e quarenta e dois indivíduos com idades entre 18 e 65 anos foram divididos em três grupos: normal (BMI<25, n=220), sobrepeso (2530, n=187). Todos os indivíduos foram genotipados para o polimorfismo -30G>A através da técnica da reação em cadeia da polimerase - polimorfismo do comprimento do fragmento de restrição. RESULTADOS: As frequências dos genótipos e alelos dos 3 grupos não diferiram entre si (p>0,05). Quando a população de estudo foi categorizada de acordo com a presença de diabete, hiperlipidemia, hipertensão arterial e síndrome metabólica, os genótipos e alelos -30G>A dos subgrupos com e sem essas doenças não diferiram entre si (p>0,05), exceto por uma frequência maior do alelo G no grupo de hiperlipidêmicos quando comparados aos não hiperlipidêmicos (p<0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Os achados do presente estudo não confirmam uma associação entre o polimorfismo -30G>A e excesso de peso na população iraniana.

Serum zinc and copper concentrations and socioeconomic status in a large Persian cohort.

Background: We have previously reported that serum zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) are affected by a number of factors. In the current investigation we have investigated the association between serum Zn and Cu concentrations and socio-economic factors in an Iranian population. Materials and methods: A Persian sample population (n = 2233; n = 1106 (49.5%) males and n = 1127 (50.5%) females) was recruited by cluster-stratified sampling. Individuals were aged 15-65 years, and included urban and rural residents of the Great Khorasan province, Iran. Anthropometric measurements, serum Zn and Cu analysis and socio-economic status were determined using standard protocols. Results: The mean serum Cu and Zn concentrations for the whole group were 14.7?3.3 ?mol /L (range 4.5-28.4 ?mol /L), and 11.7?1.9 ?mol/L (range 3.6-28.3 ?mol/L) respectively, and the mean serum Zn:Cu ratio for the group was 0.83?0.2. The highest mean copper concentrations were found in the age range 50-59 years (p < 0.01). The total population of urban residents had higher serum zinc (p <0.01) and lower serum copper concentrations (p <0.05) than rural residents. Poorly educated male subjects had significantly higher serum concentrations of copper than males in the other subgroups (p <0.001). Serum Cu and Zn:Cu ratio were associated with height and body mass indices (p <0.01). Conclusion: Low serum zinc and copper appears to be common in Persian individuals. Urbanization and also educational attainment may contribute to changes in serum levels of Cu and Zn. This is probably related to lifestyle habits.