Original researchE23K variant in KCNJ11 gene is associated with susceptibility to type 2 diabetes in the Mauritanian population

AimsMany genetic association studies reported the contribution of KCNJ11 gene to type 2 diabetes susceptibility in different populations. We aimed to evaluate the association between E23K variant of KCNJ11 and type 2 diabetes in the Mauritanian population.Materials and methodsWe performed a case-control association study including 135 type 2 diabetes Mauritanian patients and 135 controls. Genotyping for the E23K variant was performed using a TaqMan allelic discrimination assay.ResultsWe found significant association between KCNJ11 E23K variant and type 2 diabetes (Global model, OR = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.09-3.97, p = 0.026). In the Moor ethnic group, E23K was also associated with type 2 diabetes in the general model (OR = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.09-3.97, p = 0.026) and under the dominant model (OR = 2.49, 95% CI = 1.12-5.55, p = 0.026). In the Mauritanians of African descent, KK genotype was not found. Besides, E23K variant was not associated with type 2 diabetes (OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.04-11.32, p = 0.793).ConclusionsOur results revealed the risk of type 2 diabetes conferred by KCNJ11 E23K gene variant in the Mauritanian population.