Association of HNF1A gene variants and haplotypes with metabolic syndrome: a case–control study in the Tunisian population and a meta-analysis

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundVariants in the Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 1 Alpha gene (HNF1A) are associated with lipoproteins levels and type 2 diabetes. In this study, we aimed to assess the association ofHNF1Agene and haplotypes with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components through an association study in the Tunisian population as well as by a meta-analysis.MethodsA total of 594 Tunisian individuals were genotyped for three variants (rs1169288, rs2464196 and rs735396) located inHNF1Agene using KASPar technology. Statistical analyses were performed with R software. The association was furthermore evaluated through a meta-analysis of our results with those obtained in a Moroccan population.ResultsOur results showed no association betweenHNF1Avariants and MetS in the Tunisian population. However, a significant association was observed between the variant rs735396 and a higher waist circumference. The stratified analysis according to the sex highlighted a significant association between the variant rs1169288 and high cholesterol levels only in women. Similarly, Haplotype analysis showed an association between theHNF1Aminor haplotype and high total cholesterol mainly in women. Finally, our meta-analysis showed no association betweenHNF1Avariants and MetS.ConclusionsOur findings exclude the involvement of the threeHNF1Avariants rs1169288, rs2464196 and rs735396 in the susceptibility to MetS in our studied Tunisian population but emphasize the role of these variants in the cholesterol homeostasis with sex-specific differences, which may serve to rise clinical consideration to early statin therapy in women carrying these genetic variants.