Identification of leptin gene variants in school children with early onset obesity.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate leptin gene variations in Thai primary school children.


METHODS
Direct DNA sequencing was performed following polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the leptin gene in 30 obese children aged 10-12 years old.


RESULTS
A heterozygous variant 19 (G > A), located in the non-coding region of exon 1 was detected in 13 subjects (43.3%, A: 0.22). Only 2 subjects (6.7%, G: 0.03) harbored a heterozygous (CAA > CAG) polymorphism in codon 25 of exon 2.


CONCLUSIONS
The 25 (CAA > CAG) polymorphism appeared to be a new leptin gene variant in Thai people. This study provides basic information concerning the prevalence of leptin gene polymorphisms in Thai children with early onset obesity. It might be useful as genetic marker for screening for obesity potential in large populations.
Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Paleerath
P
Kongmacheep
Chutima
C
Sirikulchayanonta
Rungsunn
R
Tungtrongchitr
Kitiphong
K
Hancharoen
D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D005787:Gene Frequency; D005819:Genetic Markers; D014644:Genetic Variation; D005838:Genotype; D006579:Heterozygote; D006801:Humans; D020738:Leptin / Q000235:genetics*; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D015995:Prevalence; D012574:Schools; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA; D012737:Sex Factors; D013334:Students; D013785:Thailand / Q000453:epidemiology
D005819:Genetic Markers; D020738:Leptin