ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the expression of GIRK4 gene in the kidney tissues of obese rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Obese rat models were established using diet-induced method. The GIRK4 protein expression in kidney tissues was determined in 20 obese rats and 10 normal rats using Western blot analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The relative expression level of GIRK4 protein in the kidney tissues of obese rat (1.75±0.42) was significantly lower than that in normal rats (3.37±0.68, P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>GIRK4 has a low protein expression in the kidney tissues of obese rat.</p>
Subject(s)
Animals , Female , Male , Rats , Gene Expression , Kidney , Metabolism , Obesity , Genetics , Metabolism , Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying , Genetics , MetabolismABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the association between polymorphisms of protein-activated inwardly rectifying K+ channel (GIRK4) gene and insulin resistance (IR) in Xinjiang Uygur population.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A cross-sectional epidemiological survey-based case-control study was carried out, for which 1295 subjects (including 324 IR patients and 971 non-IR controls) were randomly selected. Functional region of the GIRK4 gene was sequenced for 48 randomly selected IR patients. Representative variable sites were chosen, with its association with IR assessed in 1295 Uygur subjects.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>rs11221497 variant was associated with IR in Uygur subjects under 50 years old (P=0.017 in genotype model, P=0.009 in dominant model). Subjects with dominant model of CC genotype have an OR of 1.833 (95%CI: 1.157-2.905) for IR.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>GIRK4 gene polymorphisms may be associated with IR in Uygur ethnics from Xinjiang. The CC genotype of rs11221497 variant is a risk factor for IR.</p>
Subject(s)
Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Alleles , Case-Control Studies , G Protein-Coupled Inwardly-Rectifying Potassium Channels , Genetics , Gene Frequency , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Genotype , Insulin Resistance , Genetics , Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
G protein-coupled inward rectifier K(+) channel 4(GIRK4) is a G protein-coupled inward rectifier potassium channel family member. Encoded by the KCNJ5, it is widely distributed in the mammalian heart, brain, and other tissues and organs. Recent studies have demonstrated that the abnormal expression of GIRK4 gene is associated with atrial fibrillation, and meanwhile may be closely related to obesity, metabolic syndrome, and many other clinical conditions. Further research on the role the GIRK4 gene in the pathophysiology of these clinical conditions will definitely facilitate their clinical diagnosis and treatment.