Gut microbiota signatures associated with PPARD and PARGC1A genetic polymorphisms in a healthy population

Recent studies have revealed the importance of the gut microbiota in the regulation of metabolic phenotypes of highly prevalent metabolic diseases such as obesity, type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease. Genetic polymorphisms in PPARD (rs2267668; A/G) and PPARGC1A (rs8192678; G/A) are linked to T2DM. We studied the association between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs2267668 and rs8192678 and microbiota signatures and their relation to predicted metagenome functions, with the aim of determining possible microbial markers in a healthy population. Body composition, physical exercise and diet were characterized as potential confounders. Our findings suggest an association between sugar metabolism and the PPARGC1A rs8192678 (G/A) genotype and support the notion of specific microbiota signatures as factors related to the onset of T2DM.