The gene association between obesity and type 2 diabetes

Background and Aim : Obesity is related to many life-threatening diseases, including type 2 diabetes (T2D), heart disease, hypertension, and cancer. Obesity is also associated with accelerating the aging process, reducing longevity, depression, and lowering the quality of life and it shows a strong familial influence. Identifying the genes that are associated with obesity is increasing with the advancement of technologyMethods : In a meta-analysis study we found that currently, there are hundreds of known obesity-related genes . We reviewed a total of 97 research papers including population and in vivo studies.Results : Strong interaction between genetics and the environment over time generates T2D and obesity. Several single-gene related defects have been discovered, but in most cases, there is a polygenic contribution. Besides, many environmental factors such as lifestyle, social effects and the environment around the embryo contribute to these problems. Also, some genes affect the level of physical activity and eating behavior, therefore indirectly cause obesity. The results of the studies showed a significant association of mentioned genetic variants with the major markers of T2D and obesity such as Fat mass and obesity-associated and Adenylyl Cyclase 3. Gene polymorphisms in FTO, AC3, TCF7L2, PPAR, PAI-1, Apoa2, ZFP69, Lepr, Grk2, and PEDF have been associated with obesity in T2DM. Additionally, obesity-related traits and blood lipid levels (HDL, LDL, triglycerides), explain the phenotypic overlap with obesity and T2D. Conclusion : In summary, the recent GWAS of obesity-related traits and T2D show considerable overlap in associated loci. These identified associations point to potential mechanisms through which obesity traits affect T2D susceptibility. Hundreds of common genetic variants associated with obesity and T2D have been identified using additive association tests. So opening new avenues for solving many unclear questions in the pathogenesis of and for prediagnosis and prevention of T2D in obese peaples.

Keywords:

Obesity , type 2 diabetes , gene association , prediagnosis , gene markers , prevention