[Association of -2548G/A functional polymorphism in the promoter region of leptin gene with antipsychotic agent-induced weight gain].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether the -2548G/A functional polymorphism in promoter region of leptin gene influencing weight gain following antipsychotic agents (APS) acute treatment in schizophrenic patients.


METHODS
128 Chinese Han untreated patients with schizophrenia (male 61, female 67) with an age and gender matched health controls (n = 38) were recruited. The polymorphism of leptin gene was determined with PCR-RFLP technique. MRI determined abdominal body fat in 22 controls and 30 patients on admission and after 10 weeks treatment with risperidone or chlorpromazine. Body mass index (BMI) was measured on admission and every week subsequently (for patients).


RESULTS
There were average increases in (6.2 +/- 5.7)% of baseline weight and in (38.5 +/- 42)% of baseline abdominal subcutaneous fat (SUB) and in (40.0 +/- 41.2)% of baseline intra-abdominal fat (IAF) 10 weeks after treatment. There were no significant differences in the distribution of allele and genotypes either between the patients and controls or between gender groups. It was found significantly increased weight gain in the patient with the -2548AA genotype (chi(2) = 7.529, df = 1, P = 0.006; OR = 1.941; 95% CI: 1.175 - 3.207); The genotypes had no influence on the baseline weight indicators both in patients and controls. However, as compared with the patients with G allele, the patients with AA genotype had significant increase in BMI (P = 0.003) and SUB (P = 0.009).


CONCLUSIONS
The finding identify that the -2548G/A polymorphism in promoter region of leptin gene associated with APS-induced weight gain and abdominal fat deposition and distribution. -2548AA may be a genetic risk factor for the development of weight gain and body fat deposition in Chinese Han schizophrenic patients during APS acute treatment.
Zhang
Zhi-jun
ZJ
Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Science Center, Nanjing Brain Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.
Yao
Zhi-jian
ZJ
Mou
Xiao-dong
XD
Chen
Jian-fang
JF
Zhu
Rong-xin
RX
Liu
Wen
W
Zhang
Xiang-rong
XR
Sun
Jing
J
Hou
Gang
G
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000378:metabolism; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D020738:Leptin / Q000235:genetics*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000187:drug effects*
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D020738:Leptin