Potential Association of GCK Rs2268576 and Rs741038 Polymorphisms with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the Turkish Population

Abstract

Objective: Polymorphisms, defined as variations in specific genes, are common in human populations and usually do not cause<br /> disease. However, some may influence disease susceptibility or progression. This study aimed to investigate the potential association<br /> of two glucokinase (GCK) gene polymorphisms (rs2268576 and rs741038) with the development and metabolic regulation of type 2<br /> diabetes mellitus.<br /> Patients and Methods: A total of 134 individuals were enrolled, including 58 patients with type 2 diabetes and 76 non-diabetic controls<br /> from outpatient clinics. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples, and genotyping for rs2268576 and rs741038 was<br /> performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Genotypic distributions were compared between groups and correlated<br /> with laboratory parameters obtained during clinical follow-up.<br /> Results: No significant differences were found in the genotypic distributions of rs2268576 and rs741038 between diabetic patients and<br /> controls (P> 0.05). Similarly, no association was observed with fasting glucose, postprandial glucose, or HbA1c. However, individuals<br /> with the GG genotype of rs741038 had significantly higher microalbumin/creatinine ratios (P = 0.03), suggesting a potential genetic<br /> link to diabetic nephropathy despite no association with diabetes development.<br /> Conclusion: Although, no relationship was found between these GCK polymorphisms and diabetes itself, the rs741038 GG genotype<br /> may indicate risk for diabetic nephropathy, independent of glycemic control.