Exon 8 Nsi I site polymorphisms of insulin receptor gene in aircrews with metabolic syndrome

Objective To study the correlation between polymorphisms of insulin receptor（INSR）gene and metabolic syndrome（MS）in aircrews. Methods Genotypes of the INSR gene exon 8 Nsi I site in 38 aircrews with MS and 50 health controls were assayed by polymerase chain reaction—restricted fragment length polymorphism and gene sequencing. Results A statistical difference was found in genotypes and allele frequencies of INSR gene exon 8 Nsi I site in aircrews with MS and health controls.The N2 allele frequency of INSR gene was higher in aircrews with MS than in healthy controls（P＜0.01）. Conclusion Polymorphisms of INSR gene exon 8 Nsi I site are associated with MS in aircrews.The N2 allele of INSR gene may be one of the susceptible genes in aircrews with MS.