Evaluation of VDR (vitamin D receptor) gene polymorphism (FOKI) (rs2228570) with risk of metabolic syndrome and its association with vitamin D status: a hospital-based case-control study in North Indian male subjects.

Authors

  • Rabari Kamlesh Karshan Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, AIIMS Rishikesh, India
  • Raja Bhakat Consultant Biochemist, Department of Biochemistry, Apollo Clinic Midnapore, India.
  • Shrejana Shreshtha Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal.
  • Lal Chandra Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/vvvkbj51

Keywords:

Metabolic syndrome, Vitamin D level, Vitamin D receptor, Gene polymorphism, FokI Flavobacterim okeanokoites I

Abstract

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multifactorial condition associated with genetic, nutritional, and environmental factors. Vitamin D and its receptor, vitamin D receptor (VDR), may contribute to MetS pathogenesis. Limited and conflicting evidence exists regarding the association between VDR gene polymorphisms, MetS, and vitamin D status in the Indian population. This study evaluated the association of VDR FokI (rs2228570) polymorphism with MetS risk and vitamin D status among North Indian male subjects.

 Methods

This hospital-based case-control study included 104 male subjects, comprising 36 participants with MetS and 68 age- and sex-matched controls. MetS was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation 2005 criteria. VDR FokI (rs2228570) polymorphism was assessed using restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction (RFLP-PCR), and serum vitamin D levels were measured using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Statistical analyses included chi-square test, Student’s t-test, Mann–Whitney U test, analysis of variance, odds ratios, and 95% confidence intervals.

 Results

Serum vitamin D levels were significantly lower in participants with MetS than in controls (17.47 ± 9.12 vs. 27.06 ± 14.45 ng/mL; P = 0.0005). VDR FokI genotype and allele distributions differed significantly between MetS cases and controls. The Ff and ff genotypes were associated with increased MetS risk compared with the FF genotype. No significant association was observed between VDR FokI polymorphism and vitamin D levels, vitamin D status, or individual MetS components.

 Conclusion

VDR FokI (rs2228570) polymorphism was associated with MetS risk but not with vitamin D status or levels in North Indian male subjects.

 Recommendation

Larger, multicentre studies involving diverse populations are recommended to confirm these findings and clarify the underlying molecular mechanisms.

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Published

2026-06-30

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Section

Section of Biochemistry

How to Cite

Karshan, R. K., Bhakat, R., Shreshtha, S., & Chandra, L. (2026). Evaluation of VDR (vitamin D receptor) gene polymorphism (FOKI) (rs2228570) with risk of metabolic syndrome and its association with vitamin D status: a hospital-based case-control study in North Indian male subjects. Student’s Journal of Health Research Africa, 7(2), 9. https://doi.org/10.51168/vvvkbj51