Abstract

Introduction: Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is one of the fastest growing health problems worldwide. It is a major risk factor for both diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aetiology is complex, and is determined by the interplay of both genetic and environmental factors. Several candidate genes have been implicated in MetS. However, Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor Gamma (PPARG) was considered a strong candidate gene for MetS due to its membership of the nuclear hormone receptor family of transcription factors and its concomitant effects on adipocyte differentiation, obesity, dyslipidaemia, and insulin resistance. The association of this gene with MetS has not been studied in Nigeria, with known MetS prevalence of 33.1%. Therefore, the study aimed at genotyping specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of PPARG and finding its association with MetS among the Yoruba population in Ibadan.

Methodology: This case-control study involved 84 participants consisting of 43 participants with MetS (Cases), age and sex matched with 41 participants without MetS (Control). They were enrolled from the Diabetic Clinic of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan and environs after informed consent. Ethical approval was obtained from University of Ibadan/UCH Ethical Review Committee. Blood was obtained from each participant. The Joint Interim Statement criteria were used for MetS diagnosis. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extracted from whole blood, was used for Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) analysis using primer specific for PPARG SNPs rs1802182 and final amplified products viewed through gel documentation system to detect expected bands. Data analysed using ANOVA and Post Hoc Test were significant at p<0.05.

Results: The PPARG Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms SNP rs1802182 amplification were detected at 500 base pairs in all the cases with ≥3 MetS components {43 (100%)} and controls with <3 MetS components {38 (92.7%). However, the SNP was not detected in the controls with zero MetS component {3 (7.3%)}. The MetS components varied in the participants with 1-5 MetS components.

Conclusion: The Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor Gamma rs1801282 appears to be associated with any number, type and pattern of metabolic syndrome components. Its use as an early biomarker of MetS components may be indicated and thus recommended.