Correlation between Glucokinase Regulator (GCKR) Gene Polymorphisms and Serum Uric Acid Levels in Taiwanese Adolescents
Abstract Background: Recent genome-wide association studies revealed a positive association between hyperuricemia and variants of the glucokinase regulator (GCKR) gene in adults. This study replicated the genetic association in a Taiwanese adolescent population. Methods: The frequencies of different genotypes or alleles of the GCKR rs780094 and rs1260326 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) were compared between 962 subjects (468 boys, 494 girls) with hyperuricemia (HUA) and normal uric acid (NUA) levels relative to gender. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to explore the genetic role in abnormal uric acid (UA) concentrations. Results: Boys had higher UA levels than girls (6.68 ± 0.06 and 5.23 ± 0.04 mg/dl, respectively, p < 0.001). The T allele had a higher HUA frequency than the C allele in both SNPs in girls; the rest of the frequencies of alleles and genotypes did not differentiate between subjects with HUA and NUA groups in both genders. However, after adjusting for confounding factors, the odds ratio for hyperuricemia incidence in TT genotype carriers was 1.75 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02 to 3.00) and higher than the C-carrier genotype in rs1260326 of the girl population. Conclusion: The GCKR rs1260326 polymorphism is associated with higher UA concentrations in Taiwanese girl adolescents.