Abstract:
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DMM) is a complex metabolic disorder characterized by
hyperglycemia due to insulin insensitivity and insufficient synthesis of insulin by
pancreatic β-cells. Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNFα), one of the major pro-inflammatory
cytokines released by adipose tissue, is largely associated with insulin resistance by
attenuation of insulin signaling. Individuals with obesity and T2DM show a noticeable
increase in the levels of TNFα. Therefore, TNFα serves as an important culprit in
progression of T2DM and acts as a significant target for therapy in T2DM. This study was
designed to correlate the changes in expression of TNFα with DNA methylation status of
its promoter. Therefore, expression of TNFα and changes in DNA methylation patterns at
its promoter region were analyzed between control and T2DM individuals. The results
depicted reduced DNA methylation at the TNFα promoter indicating enhanced
transcription and thus, elevated levels of TNFα in individuals with T2DM.
