BCL11A gene DNA methylation contributes to the risk of type 2 diabetes in males

BCL11A is a critical modulator involved in hemoglobin switching. Recent studies have established an association between BCL11A gene polymorphisms and a risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). The aim of the present study was to assess the correlation between BCL11A DNA methylation and T2D. A total of 48 T2D cases and 48 age- and gender-matched controls were recruited to evaluate BCL11A methylation using bisulfite pyrosequencing technology. Although no significant association was observed in BCL11A methylation between T2D patients and healthy controls (P=0.322), breakdown analysis by gender identified a significant association between BCL11A methylation and T2D in males (P=0.018). Notably, there was also a significant female-specific association between the mean BCL11A DNA methylation and triglyceride (TG) concentration (r=-0.34; P=0.019). The results indicated that BCL11A methylation contributed to the risk of T2D in males. In addition, BCL11A 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.