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Abstract: Background: Genetics of non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) in Asian Indians has been inadequately studied. We investigated the association of polymorphisms C161T and Pro12Ala of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) with clinical and biochemical parameters in Asian Indians with NAFLD. Methods: In this case–control study, 162 NAFLD cases and 173 controls were recruited. Abdominal ultrasound, clinical and biochemical profiles, fasting insulin levels and value of homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance were determined. Polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphisms of two polymorphisms were performed. The association of these polymorphisms with clinical and biochemical parameters was analysed. Results: Higher frequency of Ala and T alleles of PPARγ was obtained in cases. Ala/Ala genotype of PPARγ (Pro12Ala) was associated with significantly higher serum triglycerides (TG), alkaline phosphatase (ALK) and waist–hip ratio in cases as compared to controls. In C161T polymorphism, TT genotype was significantly increased TG (p =0.04), total cholesterol (p =0.01), ALK (p =0.04) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (p =0.007) in cases. The linkage disequilibrium for these two single-nucleotide polymorphisms of PPARγ was differed in cases (D1=0.1; p =0.006) and controls (D1=0.07; p =0.1). Using a multivariate analysis after adjusting for age, sex and body mass index, the presence of NAFLD was linked to these two polymorphisms (odds ratio 1.64 (95% CI: 1.09–2.45, p =0.05)]. Conclusion: Asian Indians in north India carrying the alleles Ala and T of PPARγ (Pro12Ala and C161T) polymorphisms are predisposed to develop NAFLD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Aims: The metabolic syndrome (MS) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are common in Asian Indians. Simple yet reliable phenotypic markers are needed for early detection of the MS in Asian Indians. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 126 subjects either with of without the MS were compared. Anthropometric measurements (including assessment of novel phenotypic markers) and metabolic profile were done. Results: On univariate analysis, age more than 35 year, female gender, presence of buffalo hump and double chin and family history of T2DM were significantly associated with the MS. A metabolic syndrome screening (MSS) score (1.0×double chin+1.2×buffalo hump+1.3×gender+1.4×age category) was generated with a cutoff value of 3.5 out of total points of 4.9, with sensitivity and specificity 82% and 71% [area under the curve=0.83; 95% confidence Interval (0.76–0.90)], respectively in detecting individuals with the MS. Conclusion: We describe buffalo hump and double chin as novel phenotypic markers for detection of MS for the first time. The MSS score generated by us may be a useful tool for detection of MS in adult Asian Indians; however, it needs further validation in a larger sample of Asian Indians and in other ethnic groups. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]