TCF7L2 (rs7903146) GENE POLYMORPHISM OF SELECTED HUMAN POPULATION RESIDENT WITHIN QUARRIES IN AKAMKPA LGA, CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA

This work investigated the DNA concentration and TCF7L2 (rs7903146) gene polymorphism of selected human population resident within quarries in Akamkpa LGA, Cross River State, Nigeria. Forty (40) blood samples from volunteers aged 40 years and above were obtained from Old Netim, while 10 blood samples (control) were obtained from Oban Okoroba (20km from Old Netim) DNA extraction was done using Zymo DNA extraction kit, DNA concentration was determined using NanoDrop 1000 Spectrophotometer, and DNA amplification and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) was performed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) system. In the study group, males had a DNA concentration between 15.79 ng/µL and 39.99 ng/µL while females had a DNA concentration between 35.34 ng/ul and 43.15 ng/µL. DNA concentration was highest in 31 – 40 age group (43.15 ng/µL) and lowest in 51 – 60 age group (15.79 ng/µL). Residents had a rs7903146 TCF7L2 gene genotype of CC, signifying zero polymorphism and implying quarry activities had no deleterious impact on rs7903146 TCF7L2 gene. Thus, suggesting residents had low diabetic risk associated with SNP rs7903146 TCF7L2 gene.