TCF7L2 variant genotypes and type 2 diabetes risk in Brazil: significant association, but not a significant tool for risk stratification in the general population
2008

TCF7L2 Gene Variant and Type 2 Diabetes Risk in Brazil

Sample size: 2009 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Marquezine GF, Pereira AC, Sousa AGP, Mill JG, Hueb WA, Krieger JE

Primary Institution: Heart Institute, University of São Paulo Medical School

Hypothesis

Does the TCF7L2 polymorphism rs7903146 affect diabetes risk in the Brazilian population?

Conclusion

The TCF7L2 rs7903146 T allele is associated with an increased risk for type 2 diabetes in a Brazilian cohort, but it does not improve diabetes risk prediction tools.

Supporting Evidence

  • TCF7L2 rs7903146 T allele is associated with a 1.57 increased risk for type 2 diabetes.
  • The addition of the TCF7L2 polymorphism to a diabetes risk prediction tool did not improve its accuracy.
  • This study is the first to confirm the association of TCF7L2 with diabetes in a South American population.
  • Genotyping was performed on a total of 2009 individuals across two different populations.

Takeaway

A specific gene variant can increase the risk of getting diabetes, but adding it to existing risk prediction tools doesn't make them better.

Methodology

Genotyping of the TCF7L2 gene variant rs7903146 was performed in two populations: 560 patients with coronary disease and 1,449 residents from Vitoria, Brazil.

Limitations

The study's findings may be limited by the low prevalence of diabetes in the general population sample, affecting statistical power.

Participant Demographics

The MASS II population had a male preponderance (69.1%) and a high diabetes prevalence of 31.0%. The general population sample had a mean age of 44.8 years and a diabetes prevalence of 7.9%.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.0032

Confidence Interval

95%CI 1.16–2.11

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2350-9-106

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