Further exploration of the possible influence of polymorphisms in HTR2C and 5HTT on body weight.
Receptors of the 5-HT2C subtype are of importance for the influence of serotonin on food intake, and 2 single nucleotide polymorphisms in this gene (HTR2C)--Cys23Ser (rs6318) and -759C>T (rs3813929)--have been reported to be associated with weight and/or antipsychotic-induced weight gain. The present study aimed to replicate these associations; in addition, the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism in the promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) was assessed. The polymorphisms were genotyped in subjects recruited from the normal population (n = 510), and possible associations between genotype and body mass index (BMI) were assessed. The Ser23 allele was more common in underweight subjects (BMI <20) than in normal- and overweight (BMI > or =20) subjects (P = .006). The T allele of the -759C/T polymorphism was less common in the overweight group (BMI > or =25) (P = .007). Homozygosity for the short allele of 5-HTTLPR was more frequent in underweight subjects (P = .015). Our results are in agreement with previous studies, suggesting polymorphisms in HTR2C to be associated with body weight, particularly in women; and they also suggest that 5-HTTLPR may influence this phenotype. Further studies on the importance of the investigated genes for eating disorders and drug-induced weight gain are warranted.
Bah
Jessica
J
Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at Göteborg University, Box 431, SE- 405 30 Göteborg, Sweden. jessica.bah@pharm.gu.se
Westberg
Lars
L
Baghaei
Fariba
F
Henningsson
Susanne
S
Rosmond
Roland
R
Melke
Jonas
J
Holm
Göran
G
Eriksson
Elias
E
D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D044405:Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2C / Q000235:genetics*; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000235:genetics*
D044405:Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2C; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins