ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Genetic variations of the FTO gene were associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes determinants in the European population, notably raised blood levels of insulin and glucose. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to test the association of FTOrs17817449 with obesity/BMI and type 2 diabetes risk among obese Egyptian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this case-control study, (PCR-RFLP assay) was used for genotyping FTOrs17817449polymorphism (SNP) in 120 obese children and 120 controls conducted from attendants of genetic & endocrinology Unit and outpatient clinics, Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University Hospitals. In combination with anthropometric measurements of obesity, predisposition to T2D risk was analyzed (fasting insulin, fasting glucose, insulin resistance). RESULTS: Consanguinity was evident in 32.5% of cases. Positive family history of both obesity and T2D was found to be significant statistically (p<0.05). FTO rs17817449G allele was positively associated with WC (Waist Circumference) (Mean ± SD 84.1 ± 9. 3), raised BMI (Body Mass Index) (32.7 ± 3.5), fasting glucose (114.1 ± 12.8mg/dl), fasting insulin (7.2 ± 1.2µU/ml) and insulin resistance (61.1% of cases) (p<0.001). The odds ratio of obesity was 1.75(95%CI 1.02-3.02) for GT and GG genotype. Fasting glucose and fasting insulin showed statistically significant risk for T2D in the obese group. CONCLUSION: Genetic variation in FTOrs17817449(G allele) was definitely associated with raised BMI, BMI z-score and fasting insulin, and lowered QUICKI values, that predicted the risk for type 2 diabetes among obese children harboring the mutant G allele.
