Association of the OLR1 rs11053646 Polymorphism with Type 2 Diabetes Risk in Saudi Adults.

INTRODUCTION: Genetic polymorphisms affecting oxidative stress and lipid metabolism contribute to type 2 diabetes (T2D). The role of oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1 (OLR1) rs11053646 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the Saudi population remains unclear. This study aimed to assess its association with T2D risk in Saudi adults. METHODS: A tertiary hospital-based case-control study was conducted among 143 Saudi adults (≥18 years) in Riyadh from November 2019 to January 2020, including 79 individuals with T2D (fasting blood glucose ≥7 mmol/L) and 64 normoglycemic controls (<5.6 mmol/L). Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood, and the OLR1 rs11053646 SNP was genotyped using PCR-RFLP. Genotype distributions were tested for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). Logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Genotype distribution in controls conformed to HWE (p=0.14). The GG genotype was predominant, while the CC genotype was absent. GC frequency was slightly higher in T2D cases, but not statistically significant. Allele distributions were comparable between groups. Adjusted analysis showed no significant association with T2D risk (OR=0.41, p=0.14). DISCUSSION: OLR1 rs11053646 SNP was not significantly association with T2D risk in this Saudi cohort. The absence of the CC genotype and small sample size may have limited statistical power to detect potential associations. CONCLUSION: OLR1 rs11053646 SNP does not appear to be associated with T2D risk in Saudi adults. Larger studies are required to confirm these findings.