The Pro12Ala polymorphism in the PPAR­γ2 gene is not associated with an increased risk of NAFLD in Iranian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND: The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand-activated transcription factors that belong to the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily. Several studies have demonstrated a significant association between Pro12Ala polymorphism of the PPAR­γ2 gene and metabolic disorders. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the association of Pro12Ala polymorphism with increased risk of NAFLD in Iranian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed on 145 healthy control subjects and 145 NAFLD patients with a history of type 2 diabetes. Pro12Ala polymorphism genotyping was performed using PCR–restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique with the Bs1I restriction enzyme. RESULTS: Our results demonstrated that CC and GG genotypes of Pro12Ala were found in the participants, but there was no statistically significant difference between NAFLD patients and healthy controls (P = 0.64 and χ(2) = 0.21). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that Pro12Ala polymorphism of the PPAR­γ2 gene cannot be considered as a risk factor for NAFLD in the Iranian population.