Neuropeptide Y Leu7Pro polymorphism is not associated with risk of developing obesity in Pakistani population

Abstract

Background/objectivesThe role of Neuropeptide Y in the hypothalamic control of energy balance is well established. NPY is a well-known, orexigenic peptide. Apart from increasing food intake and reducing state of satiety, NPY stimulates fat angiogenesis, proliferation and differentiation of new adipocytes, resulting in development of abdominal obesity and metabolic syndrome-like conditions. Although there is extensive evidence of the key role of NPY in energy regulation in pre-clinical studies, evidence in humans is limited. However, single nucleotide polymorphism in the signal peptide of NPY Leu7Pro, which causes an amino acid change from leucine to proline, has been found to increase susceptibility to obesity in various populations. Therefore, we sought to genotype screen NPY Leu7Pro allele in overweight, obese and normal Pakistani individuals. MethodA total of 364 randomly selected participants were genotyped screen for the NPY Leu7Pro using PCR-RFLP followed by Sanger sequencing for conformation of the results. The participants were divided into normal, overweight and obese categories based on the BMI. ResultsOf the 364 samples screened, only one sample showed the heterozygous TC genotype. All the other samples showed homozygous TT (normal) genotype. No CC genotype was observed in both the overweight, obese and control groups. ConclusionThe NPY SNP Leu7Pro is found to be extremely rare in Pakistani population and does not contribute towards risk of developing obesity.