Association of UCP2-866G>A Polymorphism With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Patients From North-West of Iran

Objective: To investigate the association of uncoupling protein-2 (UCP2) -866G > A gene polymorphism (rs659366) with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods: We performed a case-control study with a cohort of 75 patients with NAFLD (of Iranian ethnicity) and 76 healthy individuals of Iranian ethnicity. The UCP2 -866G > A polymorphism (rs659366) was determined using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Results: Patients with AA and AG genotypes were 71% and 68%, respectively, more likely to have NAFLD, compared with individuals with the GG genotype (reference group). In subjects with a GG genotype, serum triglyceride (TG) concentration was significantly higher in patients with NAFLD (P = .04). Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentrations in all 3 genotypes and serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) concentrations in AG and GG genotypes of UCP2 gene polymorphism were significantly higher in patients (P <.05). Conclusion: Our results revealed a modest modifier effect of -866G > A UCP2 polymorphism in patients with NAFLD.