Association of vitamin D receptor polymorphisms with cardiometabolic conditions in Pakistani population.

Apart from bone related effects, vitamin D has roles in immune modulation, hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Metabolic functions of vitamin D are mediated after binding with vitamin D receptor (VDR). VDR polymorphisms affect its physiological functions. Several VDR single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are reported previously. However, VDR polymorphisms causing influence on cardiovascular and metabolic disorders have not been investigated in Pakistani population so far. Therefore, present study was conducted to evaluate the role of VDR polymorphisms (rs2228570 and rs7975232) in the pathobiology of cardiometabolic disorders. In all, 400 cardiometabolic patients and 226 healthy control human adults were enrolled from Faisalabad, Pakistan. Biochemical parameters (serum glucose, liver function test, renal function test and lipid profile) were analyzed by standard kit methods. Genetic analysis was done by ARMS-PCR assay. Data was analyzed in SPSS v20. Regression analysis revealed that GG and AG genotypes of rs2228570 A>G polymorphism significantly increased the risk of hypertension in cardiovascular patients by 5.29 and 5.94 times respectively (GG: OR=5.29, 95% CI=1.63-17.2, p=0.005; AG: OR=5.94, 95% CI=1.70-20.7, p=0.005). However, rs7975232 C>A polymorphism was not correlated with cardiometabolic conditions. In conclusion, GG and AG genotypes of VDR SNP rs2228570 significantly contribute for hypertension in cardiovascular disease patients.

Diabetes mellitus and dietary starch in perspective of blood glycaemic control.

Diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disorder which disrupts normal physiological functions of the body cells to take in and utilise glucose effectively. On the other hand, blood glycaemic control remains the primary therapeutic target for diabetic patients. Dietary starch is the main determinant of blood glucose. But dietary starch tolerance levels fluctuate between individuals, which might be due to difference in genetic variants of alpha-amylase enzyme. Additionally, genetic variability of cereal carbohydrates may also influence glucophenotype in terms of a specific glycaemic and biochemical derangement. Therefore, personalised carbohydrate/ starch based diets are needed to ensure optimum blood glycaemic control in diabetic subjects in prospective studies.