BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is a global public health problem that is caused by the lack of insulin secretion (type 1) or resistance to its action (type 2). A low insulin-to-glucagon ratio predicts an increase in the serum levels of branched chain amino acids, a feature confirmed in several populations. This relationship has not been assessed in Jordan. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between serum branched chain amino acids and type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients in Jordan. METHODS: Two hundred type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and an additional 200 non-diabetic controls were recruited. Age, body mass index, and waist circumference of the subjects were recorded. Branched chain amino acid, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were measured from the collected serum samples. RESULTS: Serum branched chain amino acid levels were significantly higher in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients than in non-diabetes individuals (P < 0.0001). In binomial regression analysis, serum branched chain amino acid levels remained significantly associated with diabetes mellitus and increased its risk (odds ratio, 1.004; 95% confidence interval, 1.001–1.006; P=0.003). CONCLUSION: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with higher branched chain amino acid levels in Jordan independent of age, sex, body mass index, waist circumference, and total serum cholesterol and serum triglyceride levels.
Amino Acids* ; Body Mass Index ; Cholesterol ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* ; Humans ; Insulin ; Jordan* ; Public Health ; Triglycerides ; Waist Circumference

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive disorder. Obesity, which is linked with lower adiponectin levels, increases a woman's risk of developing PCOS; however, the association between adiponectin and PCOS is controversial. Adiponectin levels could be affected by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ADIPOQ gene. This study aimed to test the relationship between serum adiponectin and PCOS in Jordan and the association between the rs2241766, rs1501299, and rs266729 SNPs in the ADIPOQ gene and PCOS. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-four women with PCOS and 149 age- and body mass index–matched normally menstruating controls were recruited. Serum adiponectin levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. RESULTS: Serum adiponectin levels were significantly lower (P=0.0064) in PCOS women and rs1501299 (+276 G/T) genotype distributions were significantly different (P=0.01) between them and normally menstruating women. Multivariate analysis revealed that adiponectin levels remained significantly lower in PCOS women (P=0.001; odds ratio [OR], 0.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.84–0.96). The GT genotype of rs1501299 increased the risk of PCOS (P < 0.001; OR, 5.46; 95% CI, 2.42–12.33) and increased the risk of PCOS by three-fold (P < 0.001; OR, 3.00; 95% CI, 1.36–6.60) relative to the TT genotype. The GG genotype increased the risk of PCOS as well (P < 0.001; OR, 3:00; 95% CI, 1.36–6.60). CONCLUSION: PCOS is associated with lower serum adiponectin levels independent of age and body mass index. The T allele of the rs1501299 (+276 G/T) SNP of the ADIPOQ gene protects against PCOS.
Adiponectin* ; Alleles* ; Body Mass Index ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Genotype ; Humans ; Insulin Resistance ; Jordan* ; Multivariate Analysis ; Obesity ; Odds Ratio ; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome* ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide