Type 2 diabetes (T2D) represents a growing public health problem world-wide. It is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia leading to degenerative organic complications such as cardiovascular diseases and cognitive decline.
The high heterogeneity of the etiology of T2D patients and their susceptibility to cardiovascular complications may be explained by the interaction of genetic and environmental factors (dietary practices and physical activity). Intestinal microbiota may play an important role in the pathogenesis of Diabetes. It ensures vital functions, produces metabolites acting as anti-inflammatory and increases insulin sensitivity.
Our global goal is to better understand the etiology of T2D through the identification of biomarkers characterizing its pathways and complications.
In the frame of the project DiaBiomark (Identification of biomarkers for Type 2 Diabetes through multidisciplinary investigations, ACIP 45-17, 2018-2020) we recruited 147 Tunisian individuals (66 T2D patients and 81 controls). We collected genealogical and anthropometic data as well as life style information, and we measured biochemical parameters including fasting plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, C-Reactive Protein, creatinine, uric acid and Vitamin D.
Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) was performed on 50 participants (32 T2D patients, 18 controls). In the continuity of this project and in the frame of PHINDaccess (Pathogen-Host Interaction Data access, grant agreement No 811.034; H2020-WIDESPREAD-05-2017-Twinning) we will perform
Whole metagenomic shotgun sequencing for diabetics and controls in collaboration with Institut Pasteur in order to decipherer potential link between microbiome and human genome in relation with diabetes.