Association between genetic variants in ANGPTL4 (T266M) and MC4R genes predisposing to obesity

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Recently, obesity has begun to be seen not only as a physical state of an individual but also as an illness in and of itself. It is possible that there is not much research done on the exact variants or genes that put people at risk for obesity in Iraq. The aim was to sight the genetic variants predisposing to obesity in Baghdad population by screening the associated ANGPTL-4 and MC4R genes. Materials and Methods: A total of 124 individuals aged between 15-67 years participated in this study that was prospective, descriptive, and cross-sectional in nature. Blood collected from each individual was analyzed for biochemical parameters such as fasting blood glucose, random blood glucose, HbA1c, thyroid function tests (TSH) and complete blood count. Genomic DNA was subjected to amplification of the ANGPTL4 gene. The amplified product was subjected to restriction digestion using the enzyme NlaIII and further genotyped. Results: This study found no correlation between ANGPTL-4 (T266M) and MC4R rs13447324 among obese population studied in Baghdad, Iraq. Conclusion: The study found no conclusive evidence linking the ANGPTL-4 T266M gene to obesity in the Baghdad population. The study also discovered that people of Baghdad did not have an association between MC4R rs13447324 and obesity. However, larger sample size investigations are required.