The association of TCF7L2 rs7903146 polymorphism with type 2 diabetes mellitus among Tatars of Bashkortostan
Aim. To perform the analysis of the association of transcription factor 7-like 2 <i>(TCF7L2)</i> gene rs7903146 polymorphism with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among Tatars of Bashkortostan.  Materials and methods. In this study, 169 patients with T2DM and 286 controls without clinical symptoms and laboratory signs of diabetes and without diabetes relatives were examined. Amplification of the DNA fragments was performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and TaqMan technique.  Results. Genotype CT and allele T ratios were higher in the T2DM group than in controls (46. 7% vs. 36. 4%, p = 0. 030; 41. 7% vs. 30. 8%, p = 0. 001 respectively). There was a positive association between allele T and T2DM (OR = 1. 61), and allele C had a protective effect (OR = 0. 62, p = 0,001). Carriers of the ТТ genotype had later onset of T2DM (mean = 59. 5 years old) compared with carriers of the CT and CC genotypes (56. 1 years old, p = 0. 044). Basal C-peptide concentration, lipid levels and body mass index were not associated with <i>TCF7L2</i> rs7903146 polymorphism.  Conclusion. <i>TCF7L2</i> rs7903146 polymorphism is associated with T2DM among Tatars of Bashkortostan.