Page 85 - EJMO-9-1

Eurasian Journal of Medicine and
Oncology
T2D polymorphisms in Asians

1. Introduction ScienceDirect, and Semantic Scholar. In addition, relevant
journal articles were included without restrictions on
The worldwide prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) publication year. Study selection was guided by keywords
has been rising annually and is projected to continue such as “Type 2 diabetes,” “SNPs OR single nucleotide
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increasing in the coming years. This may be attributed to polymorphism OR polymorphism,” “Asian,” “specific
inadequate preventive and therapeutic measures for T2D. mechanisms (e.g., insulin sensitivity, insulin catabolism),”
T2D is a multifactorial disorder influenced by both genetic and “therapy OR management.” To ensure the reliability
and environmental factors, with the latter often referred of the selected studies as references, each was carefully
to as epigenetics. Extensive research on epigenetics assessed based on population, methodology, statistical
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has revealed pathways through which external factors
influence the development of T2D. rigor, and results, ensuring accountability and credibility.
The reversible nature of epigenetics contrasts with the 3. The role of genetic SNPs in T2D
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immutable characteristics of genetics. Consequently, it is pathophysiology
widely recognized that genetic factors play a significant
role in the onset and progression of various diseases, Hyperglycemia is a key characteristic of T2D with a
whereas epigenetic modifications offer potential avenues complex medical condition. The observed phenomena
for intervention. The rapid expansion of scientific research, are believed to result from intricate interactions between
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including the use of comprehensive genome-wide epigenetic pathways. It is widely acknowledged that
association studies and other methodologies, has led to impaired insulin sensitivity and secretion play a significant
the identification of specific genetic variations, known as role in the pathophysiology of T2D. These impairments
single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), linked to T2D. create a detrimental cycle in individuals with T2D, where
These findings have contributed to a deeper understanding elevated blood glucose levels contribute to the progression
of the complex factors involved in the development of T2D. of insulin resistance and the gradual deterioration of
pancreatic β-cell function. The eventual onset of T2D
SNPs play a crucial role in guiding specific treatment results from the progressive decline in both insulin
decisions in precision medicine, highlighting the sensitivity and secretion. Given the association between
importance of considering genetic diversity across a wide SNPs and T2D, it is now recognized that T2D is influenced
range of ethnicities. Notably, individuals carrying SNPs by multiple factors, including insulin metabolism,
in potassium inwardly rectifying channel subfamily J regulators of peripheral insulin sensitivity, and circadian
member 11 (KCNJ11) rs5219 T allele have demonstrated rhythms (Table 1).
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favorable responses to sulfonylurea drugs. These findings
provide valuable insights that should be integrated into Genetic screening for SNP detection offers the
the development of medications, treatment strategies, and potential to mitigate T2D risk before its manifestation,
health policies. as epigenetic changes, unlike genetic alterations such as
SNPs, are reversible. Both genetic and epigenetic factors
SNPs not only influence drug selection but also
correlate with the future risk of T2D. For instance, the are influenced by proteins, but epigenetic modifications,
melatonin receptor 1B (MTNR1B) rs10830963 G allele is such as DNA methylation, can revert to normal conditions
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associated with a 1.11-fold increased risk of T2D. Given under certain circumstances. This reversibility underscores
the genetic variability across different ethnic groups, the importance of epigenetic approaches, such as lifestyle
risk assessment and management of T2D cannot follow modifications, in the prevention and management of T2D.
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a universal approach. Analyzing these SNPs allows These include practices such as yoga training, maintaining
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for the identification of critical risk factors for T2D, a healthy diet, and regular exercise have shown potential
facilitates predictions of future incidence, and supports the in modifying and reducing the risk of developing T2D.
development of tailored preventive strategies. This review The SNPs analyzed in this study were obtained from
examines SNPs related to insulin regulation in human original research articles and meta-analyses. The selection
populations of Asian descent, emphasizing their role in of these genetic markers was based on their known roles in
risk assessment and drug response to support precision T2D, particularly as demonstrated in meta-analyses and
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medicine tailored to genetic profiles. whole-genome sequencing studies that comprehensively
investigate the entire genome rather than focusing solely
2. Search strategy and selection criteria on specific genes of interest. The P-values were derived
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This narrative review is based on references obtained from statistical analyses comparing individuals with T2D
from PubMed, Springer Nature, Wiley Online Library, carrying the SNPs to non-diabetic individuals, based on

Volume 9 Issue 1 (2025) 77 doi: 10.36922/ejmo.7549