Published online May 15, 2024. doi: 10.4239/wjd.v15.i5.814
Peer-review started: December 4, 2023
First decision: January 23, 2024
Revised: January 31, 2024
Accepted: March 11, 2024
Article in press: March 11, 2024
Published online: May 15, 2024
Processing time: 157 Days and 21 Hours
In this editorial, we comment on the article by Liu et al published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Diabetes (Relationship between GCKR gene rs780094 polymorphism and type 2 diabetes with albuminuria). Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic disorder characterized by dysregulated glucose homeostasis. The persistent elevated blood glucose level in T2DM significantly increases the risk of developing severe complications, including cardiovascular disease, re-tinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy. T2DM arises from a complex interplay between genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. Global genomic studies have identified numerous genetic variations associated with an increased risk of T2DM. Specifically, variations within the glucokinase regulatory protein (GCKR) gene have been linked to heightened susceptibility to T2DM and its associated complications. The clinical trial by Liu et al further elucidates the role of the GCKR rs780094 polymorphism in T2DM and nephropathy development. Their findings demonstrate that individuals carrying the CT or TT genotype at the GCKR rs780094 locus are at a higher risk of developing T2DM with albuminuria compared to those with the CC genotype. These findings highlight the importance of genetic testing and risk assessment in T2DM to develop effective preventive strategies and personalized treatment plans.
Core Tip: Genome-wide association studies have identified the glucokinase regulatory protein rs780094 variant as a risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus and its associated dyslipidemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and nephropathy. The precise mechanism of action remains elusive. Clinical evidence suggests that the variant impairs pancreatic β-cell function and disrupts hepatic triglyceride and glucose metabolism across various ethnicities.