The Leu72Met polymorphism of the ghrelin gene is associated with a decreased risk for type 2 diabetes

BackgroundGhrelin is involved in several metabolic and cardiovascular processes. The Leu72Met polymorphism of its gene was associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes (DM2) in some, but not all studies. Its association with atherosclerosis is not known.MethodsWe investigated 420 Caucasian subjects with DM2 and 430 controls without diabetes (56.6% male, age 62 ± 10 years).ResultsThe Leu72Leu genotype frequencies were 89.76/84.65%, the Leu72Met 9.52/15.12% and the Met72Met 0.71/0.23% (P = 0.029) in the DM2 and controls groups, respectively. In subjects with Met72+ genotypes the risk of DM2 was significantly decreased (univariate OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.42–0.95, P = 0.026). In a logistic regression model, body mass index, hypertension and a positive family history for diabetes were predictors of diabetes while the polymorphism remained negatively associated with the disease (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.40–0.97, P = 0.036). After adjusting for known risk factors for atherosclerosis, the Met72+ variant was not associated with atherosclerotic disease (OR 1.41, 95% CI 0.78–2.54, P = 0.25). Ghrelin concentrations were not associated with the polymorphism, DM2 or atherosclerotic disease.ConclusionsThe Leu72Met polymorphism of the ghrelin gene is associated with a decreased risk for DM2. There is no association between the variant and atherosclerotic disease or ghrelin concentrations.