Study of Genetic Drifts in Some Fat Mass and Obesity Associated Gene Variatiants in Type 2 Diabetics in Some Ethinic Groups Residing in Delta State, Nigeria

Aim: Detailing and distribution of some predominant FTO genes among subjects with diabetes mellitus selected from Igbo, Ika, Ijaw and Isoko tribes of Delta state, Nigeria.

Study Design: Case-control, observational study.

Place and Duration of Study: Federal Medical Center, Asaba, Delta State and Safety Molecular Pathology Laboratory Enugu, Nigeria, between March 2020 and Febuary 2022.

Methodology:100 subjects (20 diabetic and 5 non diabetic from each of the four tribes; age range; 28-74 years) Venous blood was collected for the assay of FBS, Hb1ac and molecular assay of four variants of FTO (Fat Mass and Obesity Associated) gene. Results obtained were statistically analysed.

Result: The genotypes identified in the subjects were AA, GA, GG, AC, CC, TT, and AT. AA (Ijaw 17, Urhobo 18, Ika 18, Igbo 19) and GG (Ijaw 17, Urhobo 18, Ika 19, Igbo 18) had highest level of occurrence in all tribes. Recombinant genotype and recessive allele had higher number of subjects as compared to the originating genotypes. Hardy- Weinberg statistics demonstrated significant genetic deviations in rs2388405(AA -0.12 x2 =0.0002, GA 0.12 x2=0.002) rs201041270(GG-0.12 x2 =0.0002, GA 2.12 x2=0.002), and rs8050136 (CC -0.34 x2 =0.001, AC 2.32, x2=0.05) proving a chance of finding new SNP in the studied population with a probability of 2.25 as seen in the odd ratio of T allele in Igbo tribe.

Conclusion: Statistically significant genetic drifts exist in the studied population.