Assessment of DRB1 and DQB1 genotype frequencies in type 1 diabetes: a gender-based study in Sudanese children

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune condition characterized by the destruction of pancreatic β-cells. While environmental factors and autoantibodies play a role, genetic predisposition, particularly involving HLA class II alleles (DR and DQ), is significant. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of DRB1 and DQB1 genotypes associated with T1D, with a focus on gender differences.

A total of 187 Sudanese subjects, aged 5 to 18 years, were enrolled, including 87 T1D cases and 100 non-diabetic controls. The study was conducted in diabetes hospitals in Khartoum State. HLA gene polymorphisms were assessed using the allele-specific refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) method.

Genotype frequencies for C/C, G/G, and G/C were 11.8%, 66.7%, and 21.6% in females, and 10.2%, 67.3%, and 22.4% in males, respectively. Statistical analysis showed no significant gender-related differences in genotype distributions (Chi-square,
p = 0.968).

The study found no significant association between genotype distributions and gender in Sudanese children with T1D. This suggests that gender does not significantly influence the distribution of DRB1 and DQB1 genotypes related to T1D in the study population.