Genetic Testing to Predict Weight Loss and Diabetes Remission and Long-Term Sustainability after Bariatric Surgery: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this pilot study was to assess genetic predisposition risk scores (GPS) in type 2 diabetic and non-diabetic patients in order to predict the better response to bariatric surgery (BS) in terms of either weight loss or diabetes remission. Research design and methods: A case-control study in which 96 females (47 with type 2 diabetes) underwent Roux-en-Y gastric by-pass were included. The DNA was extracted from saliva samples and SNPs were examined and grouped into 3 GPS. ROC curves were used to calculate sensitivity and specificity. Results: A highly sensitive and specific predictive model of response to BS was obtained by combining the GPS in non-diabetic subjects. This combination was different in diabetic subjects and highly predictive of diabetes remission. Additionally, the model was able to predict the weight regain and type 2 diabetes relapse after 5 years' follow-up. Conclusions: Genetic testing is a simple, reliable and useful tool for implementing personalized medicine in type 2 diabetic patients requiring BS.

This study was supported by grants from the “Pla Estratègic de Recerca i Innovació en Salut” (PERIS) 2016-2020 (SLT002/16/00497), the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Fondo de Investigación sanitaria, PI 18/00964), and the European Union (European Regional Development Fund). O.S. is a recipient of a “Río Hortega” fellowship grant from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III.