LEPR p.Q223R Polymorphism influences plasma leptin levels and body mass index in Tunisian obese patients.
OBJECTIVE
The leptin receptor (LEPR) plays a crucial role in the regulation of body weight. Several common polymorphisms have been described in the human LEPR gene including the p.Q223R polymorphism (rs1137101). The association of this polymorphism with obesity or related metabolic phenotypes has been controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the LEPR p.Q223R polymorphism on body mass index (BMI), plasma leptin and lipid parameters in a sample of the Tunisian population.


METHODS
The study included 391 obese patients and 302 normal weight subjects. LEPR p.Q223R genotypes were identified by the PCR-RFLP analysis.


RESULTS
Obese patients homozygous for RR genotype showed lower leptin levels than those with other genotypes (p = 0.005) adjusted for age, BMI and gender. Stratified analysis by gender revealed that obese male patients carrying the R allele showed significantly lower BMI (p = 0.007) and leptin levels (p = 0.037) than subjects homozygous for the Q allele. In obese women, the LEPR p.Q223R polymorphism was found associated with lower leptin concentrations (p = 0.05). After adjustment for age and BMI, the association between the LEPR variant and plasma leptin remained significant only within female patients (p = 0.027). A general linear model including leptin as dependant variable and age, BMI, menopausal status and genotype as covariates revealed that the LEPR p.Q223R polymorphism is independently associated with leptin levels in obese women (p = 0.026).


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that the LEPR p.Q223R polymorphism influences plasma leptin levels and BMI in obese patients.
Biochemistry Department, Research Laboratory LR99ES11, Rabta University Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia.
Samir
S
Ben Ali
Amani
A
Kallel
Yousra
Y
Sediri
Bouchra
B
Ftouhi
Moncef
M
Feki
Hedia
H
Slimene
Riadh
R
Jemaa
Naziha
N
Kaabachi
D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D020738:Leptin / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000097:blood* / Q000235:genetics; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D054411:Receptors, Leptin / Q000235:genetics*; D014416:Tunisia
D020738:Leptin; D054411:Receptors, Leptin