Associations of MC4R, LEP, and LEPR Polymorphisms with Obesity-Related Parameters in Childhood and Adulthood.

Asta Raskiliene,Janina Petkeviciene,Alina Smalinskiene,Vaiva Lesauskaite,Vilma Kriaucioniene

doi:10.3390/genes12060949

Asta Raskiliene, Janina Petkeviciene + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/genes12060949

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Journal: Genes	Publication Date: Jun 21, 2021
Citations: 11	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Lithuanian University of Health Sciences

Abstract

MC4R, LEP, and LEPR genes are involved in the hypothalamic leptin-melanocortin regulation pathway, which is important for energy homeostasis. Our study aimed to evaluate the associations between the MC4R rs17782313, LEP rs7799039, and LEPR rs1137101 polymorphisms with obesity-related parameters in childhood and adulthood. The data were obtained from the Kaunas Cardiovascular Risk Cohort study, which started in 1977 with 1082 participants aged 12–13 years. In 2012–2014, the follow-up survey was carried out. Genotype analysis of all respondents (n = 509) aged 48–49 years was performed for the gene polymorphisms using Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction. Anthropometric measurements were performed in childhood and adulthood. In childhood, only skinfold thicknesses were associated with gene variants being the lowest in children with MC4R TT genotype and LEP AG genotype. In adulthood, odds of obesity and metabolic syndrome was higher in MC4R CT/CC genotype than TT genotype carriers (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.2–2.8 and OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.1–2.4, respectively). In men, physical activity attenuated the effect of the MC4R rs17782313 on obesity. The LEP GG genotype was associated with higher BMI, waist circumference, and visceral fat level only in men. No associations of the LEPR rs1137101 polymorphisms with anthropometric measurements and leptin level were found. In conclusion, the associations of the MC4R and LEP gene polymorphisms with obesity-related parameters strengthened with age.

Highlights

The high prevalence of overweight and obesity is one of the most serious public health problems of the 21st century
All analyzed anthropometric measurements of girls were higher than boys; the prevalence of overweight and obesity did not differ by gender
The data showed that the associations of MC4R rs17782313 and LEP rs7799039 polymorphisms with anthropometric measurements varied with age

Summary

Introduction

The high prevalence of overweight and obesity is one of the most serious public health problems of the 21st century. Of children and adolescents increased globally [1]. Behavior in School-Aged Children study, conducted since the 1990s, revealed the increasing prevalence of overweight, especially in boys aged 11, 13, and 15 years [2]. According to the data of another international study, WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI), during 10 years, a rising trend of overweight and obesity among 6–9-year-old children was observed in some participating countries, including Lithuania [3]. Evidence suggests that overweight children and adolescents are at high risk of becoming overweight adults [4]. Obesity in adulthood is associated with many comorbidities, such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and cancers [5,6]

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