Correlation between TCF7L2 gene expression and certain biochemical parameters in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

ObjectivesThe transcription factor 7-like 2 gene (TCF7L2) is associated with a predisposition to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in different ethnic populations. This article investigated the relationship between TCF7L2 gene expression and several biochemical indexes among different age categories of T2DM in a sample of the Iraqi population. MethodsOne hundred and fifty blood samples were collected from three groups: young T2DM (10–35 years), old T2DM (40–80 years), and healthy control (10–65 years) groups. Both sexes were enrolled. qPCR was performed to explore the expression of the TCF7L2 gene. Biochemical tests were performed to assess hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. The body mass index (BMI) was calculated. The results were statistically analyzed. ResultsPatients with T2DM had higher BMI, TG, and LDL, and lower HDL than the control group. There was a strong positive correlation between hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) and BMI, TG, and LDL and a negative correlation between HbA1c and HDL. Expression of the TCF7L2 gene showed a significant difference between old and young patients by 1.68- and 0.207-fold, respectively. These results showed that old patients had higher gene expression than young patients. ConclusionTCF7L2 gene expression was affected by age, with higher expression in old T2DM patients. This may influence beta cell functions and insulin secretion.