Investigation of the association between the TCF7L2 rs12255372 (G/T) gene polymorphism and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) in the population of Chattogram, Bangladesh

Objective: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common complications of pregnancy and becoming an increasing health problem worldwide. The rate of GDM is increasing in Asian countries including Bangladesh. This study is aimed at investigating the association between the rs12255372 (G/T) polymorphism of the TCF7L2 gene with GDM. Method: To carry out the present research, 63 GDM pregnant women and 60 control pregnant women were randomly selected from the city Chattogram, Bangladesh. During the study data was collected between gestational weeks of 24–28. PCR-RFLP was used for genotyping the rs12253372 (G/T) and for genotype analysis Hardy-Weinberg equation (Hardy, 1908) was applied. Results: The fasting and 2-hour plasma glucose level was significantly higher in GDM than the control. Moreover, in the case of family history women with GDM showed higher percentage in first degree relatives (60.31 %) compared to that of control (38.33 %). The frequency of mutant allele T in GDM is 26.2 % which was however not significant. TT genotype was found only in one subject with GDM. However, the percentage of risk allele GT is higher in GDM (49.2 %) compared to that of NGT (35 %). Conclusions: In our pilot study, we did not find an association between rs12255372 (G/T) polymorphism of TCF7L2 gene and GDM. Studying in a broader group may help to find a conclusive result.