gene DNA methylation contributes to the risk of type 2 diabetes in males.

is a critical modulator involved in hemoglobin switching. Recent studies have established an association between gene polymorphisms and a risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). The aim of the present study was to assess the correlation between DNA methylation and T2D. A total of 48 T2D cases and 48 age- and gender-matched controls were recruited to evaluate methylation using bisulfite pyrosequencing technology. Although no significant association was observed in methylation between T2D patients and healthy controls (P=0.322), breakdown analysis by gender identified a significant association between methylation and T2D in males (P=0.018). Notably, there was also a significant female-specific association between the mean DNA methylation and triglyceride (TG) concentration (r=-0.34; P=0.019). The results indicated that methylation contributed to the risk of T2D in males. In addition, methylation may have an effect on the development of T2D by influencing TG metabolism. Thus, gender difference may provide new information to aid the understanding of T2D pathogenesis.