Association between haptoglobin gene and insulin resistance in Arab–Americans

Aim: To analyze associations between variation in the HP gene and lipid and glucose-related measures in Arab–Americans. Secondary analyses were performed based on sex. Patients & methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from samples obtained from a previous epidemiological study of diabetes in Arab–Americans. The HP 1 and 2 alleles were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction and gel electrophoresis. Associations were analyzed by linear regression. Results & conclusion: Associations were identified between the heterozygous haptoglobin 2–1 genotype and insulin resistance, fasting insulin and fasting c-peptide. The effect of sex did not remain significant after adjustment for relevant variables. HP genetic variation may have utility as a biomarker of insulin resistance and diabetes risk in Arab–Americans, however, future prospective studies are needed.