The Uncoupling Protein 2 Ala55val Polymorphism is Associated with Diabetes Mellitus in a Balinese Population

Abstract

Background. The activity of uncoupling proteins have been reported to be associated with obesity and energy metabolism, and it is hypothesized that sequence variation in this gene might contribute to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Objective. To investigate the association of the UCP2 Ala55Val polymorphism with blood glucose level and anthropometric status. Methods. In a cross sectional study, 287 participants (179 male; 108 female) from Legian Village, Kuta, Bali, were enrolled. The UCP2 Ala55Val (C544T) polymorphism was detected by PCR-RFLP method. Fasting and 2 hours postprandial blood glucose were measured. Anthropometric status including body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were taken. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test the equality of continuous variables. To compare categorical variables, a chi-square test was employed. Results. The genotype frequency of the C/C (Ala/Ala), C/T (Ala/Val), and T/T (Val/Val) are 44.9%, 45.6%, and 9.4%, respectively. The minor allele frequency of the T (Val) allele is 32%. Individuals with the T/T (Val/Val) genotype have higher incidence of diabetes mellitus than those with the C/C (Ala/Ala) or C/T (Ala/Val) genotypes: 18.5%, 7.03%, and 6.92%, respectively (p=0.038). No significant associations were observed between Ala55Val polymorphism and obesity based on BMI and waist circumference determination. Conclusion. The UCP2 Ala55Val polymorphism was associated with diabetes mellitus in a Balinese population of Legian Village, Kuta, Bali. No significant association was observed between Ala55Val polymorphism and obesity.