In our discussion we present the study on how PPAR γ (rs1801282) and TRHR (rs16892496) gene variations may relate to obesity and diabetes in the Turkish population. Our results suggest that these genetic differences could play roles in the evelopment of obesity and diabetes potentially serving as targets for therapeutic interventions. PPARγ plays a crucial role in regulating fat cell differentiation and enhancing insulin sensitivity. The Pro12Ala polymorphism diminishes PPARγ activity, leading to increased inflammation in adipose tissue. Reduced PPARγ activity triggers NF-κB activation, which increases the number of resident macrophages that secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, contributing to insulin resistance and obesity [14–15].
Study participants underwent evaluation for anthropometric and biochemical parameters including BMI, glucose, HDL, creatinine, LDH, LDL, total cholesterol, total protein, triglycerides, age, HbA1c, and urea. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) was observed in these parameters between the study groups. Consistent with previous research, biochemical parameters such as BMI, glucose, urea, creatinine, triglycerides, and HbA1c levels exhibited statistically significant differences and are known to increase susceptibility to obesity and serve as risk factors for diabetes development [16–18].
The average age was markedly higher, in the diabetic obese group (55.00 ± 10.23 years) compared to the other groups (non diabetic obese; 40.00 ± 12.56 years, controls; 42.00 ± 11.78 years, p < 0.001). This observation underscores the onset of diabetes at ages. As expected, Body Mass Index (BMI) values were significantly higher in the groups compared to the control group (diabetic obese; 34.53 ± 3.87 kg/m², non-diabetic obese; 35.66 ± 6.45 kg/m², control; 25.35 ± 2.89 kg/m²; p < 0.001). Interestingly, non-diabetic obese subjects had higher mean BMI than diabetic obese subjects, but this difference did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05).
Metabolic parameters, including fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels, were significantly higher in the diabetic obese group (glucose; 172.0 ± 68.5 mg/dL, HbA1c; 8.1 ± 1.9%, p < 0.001) compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Examination of the lipid profile revealed markedly higher triglyceride levels in the diabetic obese group (164.0 ± 11.23 mg/dL) compared to other groups (p < 0.001), while HDL cholesterol levels were significantly lower (44 ± 9.8mg/dL, p < 0.001), suggesting dyslipidemia associated with obesity. Additionally, urea and creatinine levels were elevated in the diabetic obese group (urea; 31.5 ± 15.2 mg/dL, creatinine; 0.8 ± 0.4 mg/dL, p < 0.001), indicating potential kidney dysfunction and emphasizing the need for close monitoring of renal function in diabetic patients. Furthermore, Feng R et al. found that several biochemical markers, including glucose, HbA1c, BMI, age, triglyceride, HDL, LDL, creatinine, and urine levels, exhibited statistically significant differences and were associated with an increased susceptibility to obesity. These markers were also identified as risk factors for developing diabetes [19–21].
Our study found that non-diabetic obese individuals with the GG genotype had significantly higher BMI compared to those with other genotypes (p = 0.008), suggesting a potential association between this genotype and increased susceptibility to obesity. This finding aligns with a meta-analysis of 25 studies, which showed significant associations between the PPARγ Pro12Ala polymorphism and obesity risk across diverse populations, including Caucasians, Asians, and mixed populations [22]. Our study revealed a higher prevalence of the GG genotype for PPARγ rs1801282 in individuals with obesity (p < 0.001), consistent with existing research.
A meta-analysis by Li et al. showed that carrying the G allele increased susceptibility to obesity and hypercholesterolemia. Further research linked the G allele of PPARγ rs1801282 polymorphism with increased obesity and hypercholesterolemia, suggesting a protective effect against dyslipidemia and explaining its association with cardiovascular disease [23–24]. Our study confirmed this finding, observing higher weight values in obese diabetic individuals carrying the G allele. These statistically significant findings are consistent with previous studies and suggest a link between the PPARγ (rs1801282) variant and both obesity and diabetes.
We observed an increase in HDL cholesterol levels among individuals carrying the C allele in the control group (p = 0.034), aligning with the known influence of PPARγ on lipid processing. Activation of PPARγ has been linked to HDL levels, suggesting that the C allele (Ala) may unexpectedly raise HDL levels by potentially reducing PPARγ activity and influencing lipase expression in tissue [25–26].
Our findings regarding TRHR rs16892496 polymorphism somewhat match research. We found that the AA genotype was more prevalent in groups although this difference wasn't statistically significant (p > 0.05). This suggests that TRHR polymorphisms impact on obesity and diabetes might be intricate. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) found a significant genetic association between the TRHR (rs16892496) variant and both BMI and waist-hip ratio in Northern Han Chinese [27]. Similarly, Urrutia et al. found a significant association between this variant and BMI and obesity risk (p < 0.05) [28]. Our study observed that individuals carrying the A allele in the control group had significantly higher BMI values compared to those carrying the C allele (p = 0.026), aligning with previous research and suggesting a potential role of the TRHR gene in influencing body composition.
Considering TRHR’s role in thyroid hormone metabolism, this genetic variation could potentially impact energy metabolism and body weight regulation. TRHR influences the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis, controlling thyroid hormone production and release, which in turn impact metabolic rate and energy expenditure [29–30]. Polymorphisms in TRHR are thus thought to affect metabolic rate and potentially contribute to obesity risk. Further research is needed to understand these processes, particularly exploring the influence of TRHR variations on thyroid hormone levels and basal metabolic rate [31].
In addition to TRHR, which indirectly influences adipose tissue through a complex pathway involving Hypothalamus–Pituitary–Thyroid Axis and TSH, PPAR-γ is known to directly affect adipose tissue. While these two pathways operate independently, PPAR-γ and TRHR have been shown to be associated with obesity and diabetes in our study and in the literature, suggesting a potential for indirect interaction between them.
These interactions highlight the complex nature of obesity and diabetes, where interplay between genetic predisposition and environmental influences can significantly impact disease susceptibility. Wherrett et al. has shown that physical activity can alter the impact of PPARγ genetic variations on obesity, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle modifications for individuals with a predisposition [32].
Our research investigates genetic variations associated with obesity and diabetes in a Turkish population. Its strengths include a diverse sample, the inclusion of diabetic participants, and a comprehensive assessment of metabolic parameters. This is the first study to explore PPAR-γ and TRHR gene polymorphisms together in this population. However, limitations include a relatively small sample size, the methodologies used, and limited case numbers within each group. The cross-sectional design prevents causal inference, and the lack of in-depth dietary and physical activity data limits the analysis. Future research should address these limitations by employing a longitudinal design and investigating the impact of environmental factors, including diet and lifestyle, on the gene-environment interactions associated with obesity and diabetes.