Transcription Factor 7-Like 2 (TCF7L2) rs12255372 Gene Polymorphism in Non-diabetic Hypertensive Patients in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

Background: The association of the Transcription Factor 7-Like 2 (TCF7L2) gene with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been demonstrated in several populations of diverse genetic origins. Studies have also shown that 13% of non-diabetic hypertensives develop diabetes. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the TCF7L2 gene polymorphism (rs12255372 G > T) in non-diabetic hypertensive patients in order to contribute to better management of their disease. Methodology: This was a prospective cross-sectional study realized with one hundred and sixty (160) non-diabetic patients, 100 of whom suffered from arterial hypertension. Participants were recruited at the Government Employees' Medical Service (GEMS) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. After obtaining consent, a blood sample was taken from each participant for glycaemia measurement and confetti realization for molecular biology. Genomic DNA extracted from the confetti was used to perform TCF7L2 gene genotyping using allele-specific PCR. Results: The results of this study concluded that the polymorphism of the rs12255372 allele of the TCF7L2 gene associated with predisposition to type 2 diabetes was not detected in non-diabetic hypertensive patients in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.