IIT Madras identifies genetic risk factor responsible for cardio-metabolic diseases

Researchers found that 15 per cent of Indian and other South Asian population have a gene/protein variation that increases their risk of diabetes, heart attacks and hypertension. 

An Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras-led international research team has identified a gene/protein variation present among Indians and other South Asians that increased their risk of diabetes, heart attacks and hypertension. 

The researchers found that this variation was present in approximately 15 per cent of Indian and other South Asian population. The researchers also found that people carrying this variant are 1.5 times more likely to have hypertension, Type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease.  

The combination could account for the higher prevalence of metabolic diseases among Indians and other South Asians.  The research was led by Nitish R Mahapatra, Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, IIT Madras.  

Explaining the key findings of the research, Mahapatra said, “South Asians are at greater risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Besides environmental factors, our genetic architecture is believed to be responsible for this observation. However, the key genetic variants that enhance our disease risk remain poorly understood. Our study identified one key genetic risk factor for cardio-metabolic diseases. We also discovered the molecular basis for the enhanced disease risk in people who carry this mutation in their genomes.” 

He said, “Our findings may help in identifying individuals (at earlier stages of their lives – much before the onset of the disease- because the genetic make-up mostly remains unchanged throughout the life) who may be susceptible to type 2 diabetes. This should be particularly useful for people with family history of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases for preventive healthcare and better management of disease.” 

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