Association of CDH13 Gene Polymorphism and Metabolic Syndrome in Gambian Population.

Background: Polymorphism in gene, which encodes for the adiponectin receptor, T-cadherin, is a genetic risk factor associated with metabolic syndrome. rs3865188, which is found in the promoter region of the gene, has been found to be associated with metabolic syndrome and its traits in Asian and European Caucasian populations. However, to the best of our knowledge, it was yet to be assessed in a Black African population.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the association of rs3865188 and metabolic syndrome in a Gambian population.

Methods: It was a genetic association study in a cross-sectional design in 136 Gambian participants. rs3865188 was genotyped using PCR master mix and sequencing. Blood sugar, triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein levels were determined by standard clinical laboratory methods.

Results: rs3865188 was found to be significantly associated metabolic syndrome (p=0.034). Genotype AT appeared to be risk factor for metabolic syndrome (OR=2.41, 95% CI, 1.20-4.84, p=0.014). We found genotypes CC and CA in rs3865188 for the first time.

Conclusion: Our study demonstrated significant association between rs385618 and metabolic syndrome in a Gambian population (Black African population for the first time). Individuals with genotype AT are at higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome.