Association of CDH13 Gene Polymorphism and Metabolic Syndrome in Gambian Population.

BACKGROUND: Polymorphism in CDH13 gene, which encodes for the adiponectin receptor, T-cadherin, is a genetic risk factor associated with metabolic syndrome. CDH13 rs3865188, which is found in the promoter region of the CDH13 gene, has been found to be associated with metabolic syndrome and its traits in Asian and European Caucasian populations. However, to the best of our knowledge, it was yet to be assessed in a Black African population. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the association of CHD13 rs3865188 and metabolic syndrome in a Gambian population. METHODS: It was a genetic association study in a cross-sectional design in 136 Gambian participants. CDH13 rs3865188 was genotyped using PCR master mix and sequencing. Blood sugar, triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein levels were determined by standard clinical laboratory methods. RESULTS: CDH13 rs3865188 was found to be significantly associated metabolic syndrome (p=0.034). Genotype AT appeared to be risk factor for metabolic syndrome (OR=2.41, 95% CI, 1.20-4.84, p=0.014). We found genotypes CC and CA in CHD13 rs3865188 for the first time. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated significant association between CDH13 rs385618 and metabolic syndrome in a Gambian population (Black African population for the first time). Individuals with genotype AT are at higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome.

Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and its Components in Kanifing Municipality, The Gambia.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex syndrome with clustering of interrelated risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Its rising worldwide prevalence has been largely related to the increasing obesity. In The Gambia, the last and only time a MetS related study was conducted, and then reported, was 21 years. Therefore, there is need for evaluating the prevalence of MetS and its components in the country. OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to evaluate the prevalence of MetS and its individual components in Kanifing Municipality (KM). METHODS: It was a cross-sectional study conducted at Kanifing General Hospital, Kanifing Municipality. Data obtained from each participants included anthropometric indices, blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein levels, and clinical information. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-six participants were included in the analysis. The overall MetS prevalence was 54.4% with significant female predominance (female, 58%; male, 29.4%; P=0.025). The most predominant component among the study population was central obesity (raised WC) (72.8%). Hypertriglyceridemia was found to be the strongest predictor of MetS among our participants (OR: 118.13; 95% CI: 33.79-412.77; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study discloses a very high prevalence of MetS among the participants, and a significant female predominance, with central obesity the commonest Mets component. The results suggest that hypertriglyceridemia is the strongest predictor of metabolic syndrome in our study participants.