GCK, GCKR, FADS1, DGKB/TMEM195 and CDKAL1 Gene Polymorphisms in Women with Gestational Diabetes.

OBJECTIVES: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the carbohydrate intolerance that can occur in pregnancy. Genetic polymorphisms associated with type 2 diabetes could be considered as genetic determinants of GDM. The aim of this study was to examine the association between GCK, GCKR, FADS1, DGKB/TMEM195 and CDKAL1 gene polymorphisms and the development of gestational diabetes. These genetic polymorphisms are involved in glucose and lipid metabolism and are associated with increased risk for diabetes type 2.

METHODS: This case-control study included 204 pregnant women with GDM and 207 pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance. The diagnosis of GDM was based on a 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test at 24 to 28 weeks' gestation.

RESULTS: There was a statistically significant association between FADS1 rs174550 gene polymorphism and GDM. Among women with GDM, a predominance of C-allele carriers (CC and TC genotypes) was observed (CC+TC vs. TT; p=0.00065; OR=1.97, 95% CI, 1.33 to 2.92), and this association remained significant after correction for multiple testing. In the case of the GCK rs1799884 polymorphism, there was a predominance of the T allele in women with GDM; however, this association reached only borderline statistical significance (p=0.08). Women with higher numbers of GCK rs1799884 T alleles more commonly required insulin treatment; likewise, the CDKAL1 rs10946398 CC genotype was associated with the need for insulin therapy. However, these associations do not pass the statistical significance threshold after correction for multiple testing.

CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study suggest an association between the rs174550 FADS1 polymorphism and GDM risk.