5-HT2A receptor gene polymorphism is associated with food and alcohol intake in obese people.
OBJECTIVE
To test the association between a polymorphism of the 5-HT2A receptor gene, -1438G/A, and energy and nutrients intake, including alcohol.


METHODS
Two hundred and seventy six unrelated overweight subjects (180 women, 96 men) were recruited from the Nutrition Department of Bichat Hospital in Paris on the basis of 120% of ideal body weight (body mass index, BMI=33.3+/-4.8 kg/m2). A second overweight sample (31 women, 49 men) was drawn from the Stanislas Family Study, composed of volunteers for a free health examination in Nancy (BMI=29.6+/-3.1 kg/m2).


METHODS
Energy and nutrients intake were assessed using the diet history method in Paris and the 3-day record method in Nancy. We analyzed the polymorphism by PCR followed by MspI digestion. Statistical differences between genotypes were assessed by using the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test.


RESULTS
In the whole overweight population, the A allele was associated with lower energy intake 10. 3+/-2.8, 9.9+/-2.8, 9.3+/-2.9 MJ/day for GG, GA and AA genotypes respectively (P<0.05). This association was significant in the patient sample from Paris and in the overweight male volunteers from Nancy. Allele A-related lowering in energy intake was due to a trend to lower intakes in all the main nutrients. The A allele was also associated with a lower alcohol consumption: 18.4+/-19.7, 15.3+/-21. 2 and 12.3+/-17.5 g/day for GG, GA and AA genotypes, respectively (P<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
These data indicate that a gene polymorphism may influence food and alcohol intake in overweight humans. This could be explained by the role of the serotonergic system as a determinant of food intake.
Human Nutrition Laboratory, Xavier Bichat Medicine School, BP416, 75870 Paris Cedex 18, France.
R
R
Aubert
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D
Betoulle
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B
Herbeth
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G
Siest
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Fumeron
D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000235:genetics*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D015930:Diet Records; D004435:Eating / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D002149:Energy Intake / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology
D011985:Receptors, Serotonin