Haptoglobin Polymorphism and Association with Complications in Ghanaian Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Abstract

There is scanty information on the role of genetic factors, especially those relating to haptoglobin (Hp) phenotypes in the expression of complications among diabetes mellitus patients in Ghana. In this study, we investigated whether there is any association between Hp phenotypes and diabetic complications and to determine if association of the Hp phenotypes with diabetic complications in Ghanaian diabetics differ from those in Caucasians. A total of 398 participants were randomly recruited into the study. These comprised diabetic patients numbering 290 attending a diabetes Clinic in Ghana and 108 non-diabetic controls from the same community. Analyses of the results indicate that most of the diabetics with complications were of the Hp 2-2 (35%) and Hp 2-1 (23.9%) phenotypes. Fewer diabetics were found to be of the Hp 2-1 M phenotype. The controls were mostly of Hp 1-1 and Hp 2-1 M phenotypes. The odds ratio of having complications in a diabetic with an Hp 2-2 phenotype was 18.27 times greater than that for Hp 0-0. Hp 2-2 phenotype with its poor antioxidant activity may therefore be a useful predictor for the propensity of an individual to develop diabetes complications.

Haptoglobin polymorphism in individuals with type 2 diabetic microangiopathy

“…There are many reports on HP phenotypes, diabetes, and its complications from many parts of the world. [37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44] This was similar with Quaye et al , study that concluded that HP2-2 allele was a risk factor for type 2 diabetes in Ghana, whereas the HP1-1 allele appeared protective. [37] However, this finding contrasts with previous observation in American-Indian studies where HP allele was a risk factor.…”

Association between Haptoglobin Genotype Polymorphism and Type Two (2) Diabetes in Accra, Ghana

“…Fasting blood glucose levels for the non -diabetic participants were within the reference range and were significantly lower compared to the levels for the T2DM participants. This confirms other reports [15,18].…”

“…Contrary to this, a population study by Stern et al [22] indicated that diabetes is associated with the Hp1-1 phenotypes. Results from Adinotey et al [15] presented investigation in Ghanaians and support the position that diabetes is associated with Hp phenotypes. Their finding confirmed what has been earlier on reported [16].…”

“…Early detection of the disease and timely interventions are important as they can help reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with it. Earlier studies have strongly linked DM to Hp polymorphisms [15,16]. However, these studies focused on the Hp phenotype.…”

“…Haptoglobin gene polymorphism has been investigated in case-control and cross sectional studies of several diseases in relation to their incidence and clinical expression in particular disease of parasitic origin (malaria) [19], infectious disease (pulmonary tuberculosis) [20] and non-infectious disease (diabetes) [15,16]. There is controversy on whether there is any association between Hp phenotypes and predisposition to DM.…”