Polymorphisms in advanced glycosylation end product-specific receptor (AGER) gene, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes mellitus

BackgroundVariants in the advanced glycosylation end product-specific receptor (AGER) gene have been associated with diabetic vasculopathy, however their role in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are uncertain. We investigated the relationship of 3 polymorphisms (rs1800625, rs1800624 and rs2070600) in the AGER gene and their haplotypes with T2DM as well as insulin resistance.MethodsA case–control study from community-based population sample of the Boston metropolitan area was performed in 637 diabetic patients and 596 controls (non-diabetic). The relationships between genotypes and T2DM were evaluated by linear and logistic regression models. Associations with insulin resistance [using corrected insulin response (CIR-30), insulin sensitivity index (ISI-120) and oral glucose tolerance test] were also examined among controls.ResultsWe found no consistent association between prevalent type 2 diabetes mellitus, and “insulin indices” (CIR-30, ISI-120 and oral glucose tolerance test) and the AGER polymorphisms. The A allele in the rs1800624 was modestly associated with a progressive decrease in CIR-30 levels only among Black controls (p = 0.03).ConclusionsA suggestive association between the A allele in the rs1800624 and CIR-30 levels was found. Further large and multiethnic studies should be performed to clarify these relationships.