Association of fat patterning, type 2 diabetes mellitus and MTHFR gene polymorphism: a study among the two ethnic groups of Tripura, North-East India

Introduction. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a group of metabolic disorders resulting from insufficient action of insulin. The etiology of T2DM is multi-factorial that includes genetic factors, obesity and lifestyles. Recent reviews of overall and stratified meta-analyses demonstrated the association between MTHFR polymorphism (C677T) including fat distribution and risk of T2DM. Publications of Indian context regarding fat patterning and MTFHR genetic polymorphism of the North East Indian population are insufficient and scant among the ethnic population of Tripura. Aim. In this backdrop, the present study is the first attempt to understand the relationship of fat patterning, MTHFR gene polymorphism and T2DM among two Tibeto-Burman speaker endogamous ethnic populations (Chakmas-the migrant group and Tripuris – the aboriginal group) of Tripura, North East India. Material and methods. The present study consists of age matched 280 males (Chakmas 147 and the Tripuris 133) from Tripura. Anthropometric and metabolic (Fasting Blood Glucose) variables and to discern obesity, blood glucose level and genotyping of MTHFR was performed following standard techniques. Results. The result revealed significant (p<0.05) association of obesity, TT genotypes and fasting blood glucose among the Chakmas with in comparison to the Tripuris. Conclusion. In this first attempt from North East India on the aspects of association of fat Patterning, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and MTHFR gene polymorphism suggests that the Chakmas are more diabetic, and this might be due to the concomitant effects of T alleles and higher central obesity and Percent Body Fat (PBF). More population screening from other under-represented indigenous populations of North East India is needed for prevention of metabolic disorders.