Association of the polymorphism in NUCB2 gene and the risk of type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Nesfatin-1, originating from its precursor protein called nucleobindin 2 (NUCB2), plays an important role in glucose metabolism and diabetes. The aim of this study is to examine the association of the c.1012C>G (rs757081) polymorphism of NUCB2 gene with the presence of T2DM.

METHODS: This study was performed in a population of 396 patients with T2DM and 196 healthy subjects. The c.1012C>G polymorphism of NUCB2 gene was determined using polymerase chain reaction and sequencing method.

RESULTS: T2DM patients showed lower CG and GG genotype, as well as G allele frequencies compared with healthy subjects. Logistic regression analysis showed that c.1012C>G polymorphism was associated with a decreased risk of developing T2DM. In addition, GG genotype of NUCB2 was significantly correlated with lower levels of body mass index and fasting plasma glucose in patients with T2DM.

CONCLUSIONS: The c.1012C>G polymorphism of NUCB2 is associated with the decreased risk of developing T2DM in Chinese Han population.