（法新社巴黎十一日電） 一組國際醫學專家在今天發表的研究報告中指出，他們已找到與第二型糖尿病有關的數個最重要的基因。全球糖尿病患者人數目前正以類似傳染病的速度增加。
The researchers looked for mutations in the building blocks, called nucleotides, of DNA. They examined over 392,000 of these mutations to find the ones specific to type-2 diabetes. (Image courtesy of NIH/National Human Genome Research Institute)
醫學專家指出，這項新發現為找出具有糖尿病遺傳風險的人所作的檢測開啟了一條新途徑。具有這類糖尿病遺傳風險的人將因此而得以及早改變生活方式，以避免得到糖尿病。
英國、法國與加拿大的醫學研究專家指出，他們已經辨認出發生基因突變的基因組，這個名為單核苷酸同質多形（SNPs）的基因組，使第二型糖尿病發生的危險大為提高。
這些醫學專家認為，糖尿病發生的原因，高達七成是因為這個基因組發生突變造成的，此外，第二型糖尿病也與飲食習慣不良有關。
倫敦帝國學院的佛洛格（Philippe Froguel ）教授說：「第二型糖尿病發生的兩個主要原因，就是過於肥胖以及家族因素。」佛洛格是這篇研究報告的作者之一。
佛洛格說：「我們的新發現使人們可以使用基因測試方式，瞭解自己是否可能是第二型糖尿病的患者。」英國的科學雜誌「自然」，在網路版中發表了這篇醫學研究報告。
佛洛格指出：「假如我們能夠告訴某些人，他們有出現第二型糖尿病的傾向，這就可以促使他們改變生活方式，例如飲食習慣，因而減少糖尿病發作的機會。」
根據自然雜誌今天發表的研究報告，在二○○年，每三個美國人當中就有一個人以上將會成為第二型糖尿病患者。
英國醫學雜誌「刺胳針」去年十一月發表的調查報告顯示，二○○一年世界各地因糖尿病而喪生的人數高達九十六萬人。在二○○三年，亞洲地區的糖尿病患者高達一億九千四百萬人。到了二○二五年，亞洲地區的糖尿病患者將高達三億三千三百萬人。
新聞出處：http://tw.news.yahoo.com/article/url/d/a/070212/19/ag39.html
法新社：
更新日期: 2007/02/12 12:20 記者:樊劍萍
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Breakthrough In Understanding Type-2 Diabetes As Key Genes Identified
Science Daily — The most important genes associated with a risk of developing type-2 diabetes have been identified, scientists report in a new study.
Fig1. The researchers looked for mutations in the building blocks, called nucleotides, of DNA. They examined over 392,000 of these mutations to find the ones specific to type-2 diabetes. (Image courtesy of NIH/National Human Genome Research Institute)
The research, published online in Nature, is the first time the genetic makeup of any disease has been mapped in such detail. It should enable scientists to develop a genetic test to show an individual their likelihood of developing diabetes mellitus type 2, commonly known as type-2 diabetes.
The researchers identified four loci, or points on individuals' genetic maps, which corresponded to a risk of developing the disorder. The scientists, from Imperial College London, McGill University , Canada , and other international institutions, believe their findings explain up to 70% of the genetic background of type-2 diabetes.
In addition, one of the genetic mutations which they detected might further explain the causes behind type-2 diabetes, potentially leading to new treatments. The research revealed that people with type-2 diabetes have a mutation in a particular zinc transporter known as SLC 30A 8, which is involved in regulating insulin secretion. Type-2 diabetes is associated with a deficiency in insulin and the researchers believe it may be possible to treat it by fixing this transporter.
Fig2. D' was calculated from the stage 1 genotyping data as a fraction of observed linkage disequilibrium over the maximal possible. The bar graph indicates the negative logarithm of the stage 1 P-value for each SNP. Transcriptional units are indicated by green lines, with exons highlighted in orange. Blue asterisks mark the SNPs chosen for confirmatory studies. a, SLC30A8; b, IDE–KIF11–HHEX; c, EXT2–ALX4; d, LOC387761.（來源：Nature, Feb. 11, 2007; doi:10.1038/nature05616;）
Professor Philippe Froguel , one of the authors of the study from the Division of Medicine at Imperial College London, said: "If we can tell someone that their genetics mean they are pre-disposed towards type-2 diabetes, they will be much more motivated to change things such as their diet to reduce their chances of developing the disorder. We can also use what we know about the specific genetic mutations associated with type-2 diabetes to develop better treatments."
The scientists reached their conclusions after comparing the genetic makeup of 700 people with type-2 diabetes and a family history of the condition, with 700 controls. They looked at mutations in the building blocks, called nucleotides, which make up DNA.
There are mutations in around one in every 600 nucleotides and the scientists examined over 392,000 of these mutations to find the ones specific to type-2 diabetes. The mutations are known as single-nucleotide polymorphisms.
The researchers confirmed their findings by analysing the genetic makeup of a further 5,000 individuals with type-2 diabetes and a family history of the disorder, to verify that the same genetic mutations were visible in these individuals.
Professor David Balding , co-author on the study from Imperial's Division of Epidemiology, Public Health and Primary Care, said: "Until now, progress in understanding how genes influence disease has been painfully slow. This study is one of the first large studies to report results using the new genome-wide technology thadt governments and research charities have invested heavily in during the past few years.
"Our research shows that this technology can generate big leaps forward. The task now is to study the genes identified in our work more intensively, to understand more fully the disease processes involved, devise therapies for those affected and to try to prevent future cases," he added.
This work was funded by Genome Canada , Genome Quebec , and the Canada Foundation for Innovation. Cohort recruitment was supported by the Association Francaise des Diabetiques, INSERM, CNAMTS, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Poitiers, La Fondation de France and industrial partners.
Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by Imperial College London .
原始文章：http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/02/070213102944.htm
原始論文：
"A genome-wide association study identifies novel risk loci for type 2 diabetes" Nature, Feb. 11, 2007.
論文摘要：http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/vaop/ncurrent/abs/nature05616.html