title: Gender-specific effect of Pro12Ala polymorphism in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma-2 gene on obesity risk and leptin levels in a Tunisian population.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study was undertaken to investigate the impact of the Pro12Ala (rs1801282) polymorphism of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma-2 (PPARgamma-2) gene on obesity or body mass index (BMI) and plasma leptin, insulin, adiponectin and lipid levels in a sample of the Tunisian population.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study included 387 obese patients and 288 control subjects. The Pro12Ala genotype was determined by polymerase chain reaction followed by a digestion with the restriction of endonuclease BstUI.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the whole population, there is no significant difference in genotype frequencies of the Pro12Ala polymorphism between obese patients and controls. However, separate analysis by gender revealed that obese men (but not women) had significantly higher frequency of Pro/Ala genotypes compared to controls (12.2% vs. 4.1%; chi(2)=6.76, p=0.009). In comparison to Pro/Pro homozygotes, Ala-allele bearers had a significantly higher risk of obesity [OR (95% CI)=3.26 (1.28-8.33)]. When obese subjects were stratified according to type 2 diabetes status, the association with obesity was only significant in obese non-diabetic patients [OR (95% CI)=3.74 (1.43-9.74), p=0.007]. Additionally, obese male patients carrying the Ala-allele had significantly higher body mass index (p=0.007) and plasma leptin levels (p=0.023) compared to those homozygous for Pro-allele. The significant effect of Pro12Ala polymorphism on plasma leptin levels disappeared after adjustment for age and BMI.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present study provides evidence that the Pro12Ala polymorphism of the PPARgamma-2 gene is associated with obesity in non-diabetic men from Tunisian origin.
authors.affiliation: Research Laboratory LR99ES11, Biochemistry Department, Rabta University Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia.
authors.forename: Samir
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ben Ali
authors.forename: Fatma
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ben Yahia
authors.forename: Yousra
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Sediri
authors.forename: Amani
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kallel
authors.forename: Bochra
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ftouhi
authors.forename: Moncef
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Feki
authors.forename: Monia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Elasmi
authors.forename: Sameh
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Haj-Taieb
authors.forename: Omar
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Souheil
authors.forename: Haifa
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sanhagi
authors.forename: Hedia
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Slimane
authors.forename: Riadh
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jemaa
authors.forename: Naziha
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kaabachi
mesh_terms: D000409:Alanine / Q000235:genetics*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020738:Leptin / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000235:genetics*; D047495:PPAR gamma / Q000235:genetics*; D011392:Proline / Q000235:genetics*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D014416:Tunisia
chemical_list: D020738:Leptin; D047495:PPAR gamma; D011392:Proline; D000409:Alanine