Association between Apolipoprotein E Variants and Obesity-Related Traits in Mexican School Children

Abstract

Background/Aim: Genetic variation in apolipoprotein E (ApoE) has a key role in lipid metabolism. However, its contribution to the amount and distribution of body fat is under investigation. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between genetic variation in ApoE and obesity-related traits in Mexican school children. Material and Methods: Anthropometric, body composition and physical activity measures were conducted using standard methods in 300 children (177 girls/123 boys) who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. DNA was isolated from saliva. ApoE genotypes were analyzed by allelic discrimination. The association between variation in ApoE and anthropometric and body composition measures was investigated using the General Linear Model. Results: The mean ± SD values for age, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were 9.05 ± 0.80 years, 19.01 ± 3.83 and 67.98 ± 10.97 cm, respectively. Approximately 46% of the participants were overweight or obese. A significant association between ApoE isoforms and WC was found after controlling for age, sex and the percentage of physical activity (p = 0.025). Significant main effects were found for vigorous physical activity and light physical activity influencing the adiposity-related BMI (p < 0.001) and WC (p = 0.044), respectively. Conclusions: Variation in ApoE and physical activity intensity were associated with adiposity-related phenotypes in Mexican school children.