Abstract
BackgroundEthnically endogamous populations can shed light on the genetics of type 2 diabetes. Such studies are lacking in India. We conducted this study to determine the genetic and environmental contributions of anthropometric traits to type 2 diabetes risk in the Sindhi families in central India.MethodsWe conducted a family study in Indian Sindhi families with at least one case of type 2 diabetes. Variance components methods were used to quantify the genetic association of 18 anthropometric traits with eight type 2 diabetes related traits. Univariate and bivariate polygenic models were used to determine the heritability, genetic and environmental correlation of anthropometric traits with type 2 diabetes related traits.ResultsWe included 1,152 individuals from 112 phenotyped families. The ascertainment-bias corrected prevalence of type 2 diabetes was 35%. Waist circumference, hip circumference and the biceps, triceps, subscapular and medial calf skinfold thicknesses were polygenically and significantly associated with type 2 diabetes. The range of heritability of the anthropometric traits and type 2 diabetes related traits was 0.27–0.73 and 0.00–0.39, respectively. Heritability of type 2 diabetes as a discrete trait was 0.35. Heritability curves demonstrated a substantial local influence of type 2 diabetes related traits. Bivariate trait analyses showed that biceps and abdominal skinfold thickness and all waist-containing indexes were strongly genetically correlated with type 2 diabetes.ConclusionsIn this first study of Sindhi families, we found evidence for genetic and environmental concordance of anthropometric traits with type 2 diabetes. Future studies need to probe into the genetics of type 2 diabetes in this population.
Highlights
While the world is rattled by the current pandemic, the more surreptitious epidemic of diabetes continues to spread [1]
Bivariate trait analyses showed that biceps and abdominal skinfold thickness and all waist-containing indexes were strongly genetically correlated with type 2 diabetes
MM and HK are affiliated with M&H Research, LLC, San Antonio, Texas, USA. This affiliation does not alter our adherence to PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials. In this first study of Sindhi families, we found evidence for genetic and environmental concordance of anthropometric traits with type 2 diabetes
Summary
While the world is rattled by the current pandemic, the more surreptitious epidemic of diabetes continues to spread [1]. The association of waist circumference and type 2 diabetes is well-established [6] Other anthropometric indexes such as height [7], body circumferences [8] and body fat distribution [9] have been associated with type 2 diabetes to varying extent across the global populations. Some ethnic groups remain at a high risk for both diabetes and obesity [15, 16]. One such ethnic group is the Sindhi population in India. Whether and how the stress of migration and resettlement could have influenced the anthropometric and, subsequently, the metabolic profile of Indian Sindhi population is currently unknown
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
