Single and multi-locus association study of TCF7L2 gene variants with susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus in an Iranian population.

Prior studies indicated that some of transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) gene variants such as rs7903146, rs12255372 and rs11255372 are constantly associated with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in various populations and ethnic groups. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between TCF7L2 variants (rs7903146, rs11196205, and rs11255372) and T2DM by TaqMan assay. Statistical analysis was performed through SNPAlyze and SPSS. Significant associations of rs7903146 (P = 1.9 × 10-7), and rs11255372 (P = 2.98 × 10-10) both under a dominant model were found. Based on allele frequency, there was a significant difference between the two study groups at rs7903146 and rs12255372 variants (P = 6.8 × 10-10, and P = 9.3 × 10-11, respectively). Two haplotypes including Hap-1 (C-G-G) and Hap-2 (T-G-T) indicated a significant difference between the two study groups (P = 1.174 × 10-9and P = 7.432 × 109 respectively). In conclusion, rs7903146 and rs12255372 were significantly associated with T2DM in the specified Northern Iranian population.