Association of-55CT polymorphism of UCP3 gene with fat distribution, cardiovascular risk factors and adipocytokines in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background and aims: Some studies have pointed to a role of uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) in the regulation of fat distribution. The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of -55CT polymorphism of UCP3 gene on fat mass and adipocytokines in naive patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Design: A population of 57 patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity was analyzed in a cross-sectional study. Genotype of UCP3 gene -55CT was studied. Results: Forty-six patients (80.7%) had the 55CC genotype and 11 patients (19.3%) the 55CT genotype. Fat mass (39.1 +/- 15.4 vs 53.3 +/- 16.8 kg; p<0.05), weight (92.6 +/- 17.7 vs 106.3 +/- 17.3 kg; p<0.05), body mass index (36.2 +/- 6.5 vs 42.8 +/- 5.2 kg/m(2); p<0.05), waist circumference (112.8 +/- 13.6 vs 127.9 +/- 12.3 cm; p<0.05), waist-to-hip ratio (0.96 +/- 0.1 vs 1.1 +/- 0.2; p<0.05), C reactive protein (6.1 +/- 5.1 vs 12.4 +/- 6.1 mg/di; p<0.05) and leptin (92.8 +/- 86 vs 114 +/- 89 ng/ml; p<0.05) were higher in patients with mutant genotype than in those with wild genotype. Conclusion: C reactive protein and fat mass were higher in the mutant group of -55 CT UCP3 gene diabetic patients than in wild type patients. (J. Endocrinol. Invest. 35: 625-628, 2012) (C)2012, Editrice Kurt's