Research Article Open Access

G-2548A Leptin Promoter and Q223R Leptin Receptor Polymorphisms in Obese Mexican Subjects

P. Carrillo-Vazquez Jonathan1, Lopez-Alcantar Jeronimo2, Chimal-Vega Brenda1, Benitez-Cardoza Claudia1, Zamorano-Carrillo Absalom1, Reyes-Lopez Cesar1, Lopez-Camarillo Cesar3 and A. Marchat Laurence2
  • 1 NPI Biotechnology Program, National School of Medicine, Homeopathy of the National Polytechnic Institute, Guillermo Massieu Helguera 239, 07320, Mexico
  • 2 Institutional Program of Molecular Biomedicine, National School of Medicine, Homeopathy of the National Polytechnic Institute, Guillermo Massieu Helguera 239, 07320, Mexico
  • 3 Genomics Sciences Program, Oncogenomics and Cancer Proteomics Laboratory, Autonomous University of Mexico City, Avenue San Lorenzo 290, 03100, Mexico

Abstract

Leptin interaction with its receptor in the hypothalamus stimulates a specific signaling cascade that results in the synthesis of anorexigenic and orexigenic peptides in order to regulate food intake and energy expenditure. Many polymorphisms in leptin (lep) and leptin receptor (lepr) genes have been associated with body weight. In particular, G-2548A in the lep promoter and Q223R in lepr variants have been associated with obesity in several populations, although no linkage has been evidenced in others. Here, we examined the genetic associations of these polymorphisms with Body Mass Index (BMI) and serum leptin levels in adult Mexican people. A set of 160 subjects was recruited at the Acupuncture Clinic of the National School of Medicine and Homeopathy of the National Polytechnic Institute (Mexico) and classified according to BMI, gender and age. Blood samples were obtained to extract genomic DNA and determine genetic variants by PCR-RFLP. Leptin was quantified by ELISA assays. Analysis of association and determination of Odd Ratio (OR) were performed using SPSS software. G-2548A in lep gene promoter and Q223R in lepr gene polymorphisms were not found associated with BMI in the whole study population. However, GG genotype in lep gene promoter was related to an increased leptin concentration (p≤0.05) and suggested as a protective factor for obesity in Mexican women. Leptin levels were higher in postmenopausal women, confirming the link between the hormonal system and body weight control. In contrast, no association was found between lepr gene polymorphism and serum leptin level. Our results suggest a possible association between G-2548A polymorphism in lep gene promoter, BMI and leptin levels in Mexican women. Further analysis of a larger population is required to confirm the biological relevance of this polymorphism for obesity in the Mexican population.

American Journal of Agricultural and Biological Sciences
Volume 8 No. 1, 2013, 34-43

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3844/ajabssp.2013.34.43

Submitted On: 14 April 2012 Published On: 12 February 2013

How to Cite: Jonathan, P. C., Jeronimo, L., Brenda, C., Claudia, B., Absalom, Z., Cesar, R., Cesar, L. & Laurence, A. M. (2013). G-2548A Leptin Promoter and Q223R Leptin Receptor Polymorphisms in Obese Mexican Subjects. American Journal of Agricultural and Biological Sciences, 8(1), 34-43. https://doi.org/10.3844/ajabssp.2013.34.43

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Keywords

  • Lep and Lepr Polymorphisms
  • Leptin
  • Mexican Population
  • Obesity