Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) has been implicated in adipocyte differentiation. Recently it was reported that heterozygous deficiency of PPARγ led to the protection from high-fat diet-induced insulin resistance in an animal model. A Pro12Ala polymorphism has been detected in the human PPARγ2 gene. Since this amino acid substitution may cause a reduction in the transcriptional activity of PPARγ, this polymorphism may be associated with decreased insulin resistance and decreased risk of type 2 diabetes. To investigate this hypothesis, we performed a case-control study of the Pro12Ala PPARγ2 polymorphism in Japanese diabetic and non-diabetic subjects. The frequency of Ala12 was significantly lower in the diabetic group. In an overweight or obese group, subjects with Ala12 were more insulin sensitive than those without. These results suggest that the PPARγ is a thrifty gene and that the Pro12Ala PPARγ2 polymorphism protects against type 2 diabetes in the Japanese.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
