In search of susceptibility genes for type 2 diabetes in West Africa: The design and results of the first phase of the AADM study

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to map type 2 diabetes susceptibility genes in West African ancestral populations of African-Americans, through an international collaboration between West African and US investigators. DESIGN AND METHODS: Affected sib-pairs (ASP) along with unaffected spouse c ontrols are being enrolled and examined in West Africa, with two sites esta blished in Ghana (Accra and Kumasi) and three in Nigeria (Enugu, Ibadan, an d Lagos). Eligible participants are invited to study clinics to obtain deta iled epidemiologic, family, and medical history information. Blood samples are drawn from each participant to measure glucose, insulin, C-peptide, tot al cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, albumin, creatinine, urea, uric ac id, total calcium and to detect autoantibodies to glutamic acid decarboxyla se (GAD). DNA is isolated from frozen white blood cells obtained from 20 mi of EDTA whole blood samples. RESULTS: With full informed consent, 162 individuals from 78 families have been enrolled and examined since the Africa America Diabetes Mellitus (AADM ) study began in June of 1997. Logistics of field examinations and specimen shipping have been successfully established. At the end of the third year of field activity (September 2000) the AADM study will have enrolled and pe rformed comprehensive examination on 400 ASP with type 2 diabetes, for a mi nimum of 800 cases and 200 controls from Ghana and Nigeria. At the current participation rate, the goal of 400 sib-pairs and 200 controls will be met before the scheduled closing date. CONCLUSIONS: The AADM study will create a comprehensive epidemiologic and g enetic resource that will facilitate a powerful genome-wide search for West African susceptibility genes to type 2 diabetes. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.