Association of adiponectin gene functional polymorphisms (-11377C/G and +45T/G) with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Adiponectin levels are reduced in NAFLD patients and genetic variants of adiponectin have been frequently associated with type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. To determine the genotypic frequencies of adiponectin functional polymorphisms (-11377C/G and +45T/G) and their subsequent effect on disease progression and plasma adiponectin levels in the patients with NAFLD. A total of 137 NAFLD patients and 250 matched controls were enrolled in the study. DNA sequencing and genotyping were performed to identify the genetic variants. The plasma adiponectin levels were assessed by ELISA. Homozygous mutant genotype of adiponectin SNPs, -11377C/G and +45T/G, were significantly more prevalent in NAFLD patients than controls (Bonferroni corrected p=0.014 and 0.018, respectively). Plasma adiponectin levels were significantly lower in the NAFLD patients as compared to controls. Moreover, presence of 'G' allele at position -11377C/G and +45T/G was found to be associated with necroinflammatory grade and reduced adiponectin levels, (p values 0.02 and 0.01) respectively. -11377G and +45G alleles are associated with severity of liver disease and hypoadiponectemia, in the patients with NAFLD, respectively.