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The variable expression of the C4/5 complex of human butyrylcholinesterase and body mass index

Vânia M Alcântara1, Luciane C Rodrigues, Lisangela C Oliveira

  • 1Department of Medical Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, 80060-240 Curitiba, PR, Brazil.

Human Biology
|April 26, 2003
PubMed

Insights

The C4/5 band activity of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) is linked to body mass index (BMI). In individuals without the C5 band (CHE2 C5-), higher C4/5 activity correlates with increased BMI and fat storage.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Human Physiology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) exists in various molecular forms, including a heteromeric complex (C4/5).
  • The association between BChE activity and body mass index (BMI) is not fully understood.
  • Genetic variations, such as the presence or absence of the C5 band (CHE2 C5+ vs. CHE2 C5-), may influence BChE behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between the C4/5 band activity of BChE and BMI.
  • To compare this relationship across different BChE phenotypes (CHE2 C5- and CHE2 C5+).
  • To determine if BChE C4/5 activity is associated with fat storage.

Main Methods:

  • Quantified C4/5 and other molecular forms (C(OF)) of BChE using densitometry in 535 individuals (447 CHE2 C5-, 88 CHE2 C5+).
  • Selected absolute C4/5 activity (AC4/5) as the key variable due to its strong correlation with weight in CHE2 C5- individuals.
  • Classified 51 CHE2 C5- individuals into low, average, and high AC4/5 groups, matched for sex, age, and ethnicity, to analyze BMI differences.

Main Results:

  • In CHE2 C5- individuals, a significantly lower mean BMI (22.9) was observed in the low AC4/5 group compared to average (25.2) and high (26.3) groups (p < 0.0001).
  • In CHE2 C5+ individuals, no significant correlation was found between BMI and C4/5 band activity.
  • The C4/5 band activity is positively associated with fat storage in CHE2 C5- individuals, contrasting with the C5 band's negative association in CHE2 C5+ individuals.

Conclusions:

  • The association between BChE C4/5 band activity and BMI differs between CHE2 C5- and CHE2 C5+ phenotypes.
  • In individuals lacking the C5 band (CHE2 C5-), C4/5 BChE activity is positively linked to BMI and fat storage.
  • These findings highlight a phenotype-specific role of BChE molecular forms in metabolic regulation.

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