UCP2 45-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism and obesity phenotype in the Lebanese population: a preliminary study

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

BackgroundObesity is a significant health concern in Lebanon, contributing to various chronic diseases. Uncoupling Protein 2 (UCP2) plays a critical role in regulating metabolism, and genetic polymorphisms in the UCP2 gene, such as the 45-bp insertion (I)/deletion (D) polymorphism, may influence susceptibility to obesity. This study aims to assess the association between the UCP2 45-bp I/D polymorphism and obesity in a sample of the North Lebanese population. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood of 123 subjects that were categorized into "non-obese" and "obese" groups, with further stratified analysis based on age and physical activity levels. UCP2 45-bp I/D variants were screened using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). ResultsThe genotype frequencies of the UCP2 45-bp I/D polymorphism were as follows: D/D (46.3%), I/D (46.3%), and I/I (7.4%), with a minor allele frequency of 0.30. Statistical analyses, including Chi-squared tests and logistic regression, were conducted to explore the association between the UCP2 polymorphism and obesity. After adjusting for body mass index confounders and stratifying by physical activity and age, no significant differences were found in genotypic distributions: Stratum 1 (S1: irregular exercise, age < 40, P = 0.157), Stratum 2 (S2: irregular exercise, age ≥ 40, P = 0.192), and Stratum 3 (S3: regular exercise, age < 40, P = 0.160). Additionally, there were no significant differences in allelic distributions across these strata (S1: P = 0.514; S2: P = 0.869; S3: P = 0.681). Gender was also not associated with the UCP2 45-bp I/D polymorphism.ConclusionsThis study found no significant association between the UCP2 45-bp I/D polymorphism and obesity in the North Lebanese population, suggesting that this genetic variation may not play a major role in obesity risk. These results underscore the need for larger, region-wide studies to better assess the genetic contribution of UCP2 to obesity in Lebanon.