Association of the -243A>G, +61450C>A Polymorphisms of the Glutamate Decarboxylase 2 (GAD2) Gene with Obesity and Insulin Level in North Indian Population.

BACKGROUND: Obesity associated with type 2 diabetes, and hypertension increased mortality and morbidity. Glutamate decarboxylase 2 (GAD2) gene is associated with obesity and it regulate food intake and insulin level. We investigated the association of GAD-2gene -243A>G (rs2236418) and +61450C>A (rs992990) polymorphisms with obesity and related phenotypes.

METHODS: Insulin, glucose and lipid levels were estimated using standard protocols. All subjects were genotyped (PCR-RFLP) method.

RESULTS: The -243A>G polymorphism of the GAD-2 gene was significantly associated with higher risk of obesity (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: GAD-2 gene polymorphisms influence obesity and related phenotype in complex manner, probably by regulating the food intake, insulin and body weight.