Association between Genetic Variations in MTNR1A and MTNR1B Genes and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Han Chinese Women

Background/Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between MTNR1A and MTNR1B gene polymorphisms and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Han Chinese women. Methods: Study participants included 350 patients with GDM and 480 control subjects. Three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs2119882 in MTNR1A and rs10830963 and rs10830962 in MTNR1B) were genotyped using direct sequencing. Genotype and allele distributions of SNPs in cases of GDM and controls were analyzed. Association of the MTNR1A and MTNR1B gene variants with plasma glucose and insulin levels as well as blood lipid levels was further investigated. Results:The frequencies of genotypes and allele types of rs2119882 in MTNR1A and rs10830963 in MTNR1B were significantly different between women with GDM and controls (p < 0.05). Moreover, in the GDM group, these SNPs were associated with increased fasting plasma glucose concentrations (p < 0.001) and increased homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (p < 0.001). The rs10830962 polymorphism in MTNR1B was not associated with an increased risk of developing GDM or any of the clinical or metabolic characteristics in patients with GDM (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The genetic polymorphisms rs2119882 in MTNR1A and rs10830963 in MTNR1B are associated with an increased risk of developing GDM and insulin resistance in Han Chinese women. (C) 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel