Abstract
BackgroundThe transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) is one of the genes that have been identified as possible determinants of diabetes which is associated with obesity. Data on the genetic causes of obesity in sub-Saharan African populations are very scares. The aim of this study was to assess the association between the transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) gene polymorphism (rs12255372 G/T) and obesity and weight-related traits in a Cameroonian population.MethodsA case–control study was conducted on 35 obese and 30 non-obese Cameroonian adults. TCF7L2 rs12255372 genotypes were determined using PCR–RFLP and correlated with BMI and weight-related traits.ResultsNo significant association was observed between the rs12255372 T allele (χ2 = 0.0684, p = 0.79) or the TT genotype (χ2 = 0.372, p = 0.54) of the TCF7L2 gene and obesity in the Cameroonian population. However, amongst the weight-related traits, triglycerides were significantly associated with the T risk allele of the TCF7L2 gene (p = 0.012).ConclusionThis study on Cameroonian subjects replicates the absence of association between the TCF7L2 rs12255372 variant and obesity as observed in European and American populations.
Highlights
The transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) is one of the genes that have been identified as possible determinants of diabetes which is associated with obesity
We previously reported on the rs12255372 (G/T) and rs7903146 (C/T) polymorphisms of TCF7L2 as risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus in a Cameroonian population [12, 13], to the best of our knowledge, the association between rs12255372 (G/T) and obesity has not been explored in any African population till date
The aim of this study was to assess the possible association of the TCF7L2 rs12255372 polymorphism with obesity and weight-related traits in a Cameroonian population
Summary
The transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) is one of the genes that have been identified as possible determinants of diabetes which is associated with obesity. The aim of this study was to assess the association between the transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) gene polymorphism (rs12255372 G/T) and obesity and weight-related traits in a Cameroonian population. Obesity results from an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure which is influenced by a variety of multiple factors that could be environmental, psychosocial and genetic [5]. This epidemic is attributable to the trend of decreased physical activity and increased calorie intake, these external factors play out on a genetic background that determines body mass and susceptibility to obesity-related diseases [6] and so, common forms of obesity have a strong hereditary component. The genetic pathways that contribute to obesity have not yet been elucidated
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