Purpose of review: This review summarizes our current understanding of the implication of catalase polymorphisms in the occurrence, control and comorbidities of metabolic diseases.
Recent findings: Whatever impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance on diabetes and whatever their occurrence or implications, the studies taken together converge toward the hypothesis that catalase polymorphisms play a role in glucose disorders. -262C/T and -844A>G single nucleotide polymorphisms are associated to hypertension susceptibility and/or onset. Concerning dyslipidemia, very recent studies requiring confirmation report a -262C/T implication. Finally, a role of catalase polymorphisms in bone metabolism is described.
Summary: Plethora of studies on catalase SNPs and their link with diseases exist. It is now clear that genetic variations in the catalase gene and its promoter are putative risk factors for metabolic disease. The question of how these polymorphisms actively play a role in various metabolisms remains unanswered. Further functional studies are required in order to gain a deeper insight into the direct role of catalase.