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Nutrient intake, weight, and Leu7Pro polymorphism in prepro-neuropeptide Y in children
Matti K Karvonen1, Soile Ruottinen, Markku Koulu
1Department of Neurology, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland. matti.karvonen@tyks.fi
Insights
Neuropeptide Y (NPY) gene polymorphism Leu7Pro does not affect childhood weight or nutrient intake. However, the Pro7 variant is linked to serum triglyceride levels in boys during childhood.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Pediatrics
- Metabolism
Background:
- Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is crucial for regulating food intake and energy balance in rodents, but human studies are limited.
- The Leu7Pro polymorphism in the prepro-NPY signal peptide offers a tool to study NPY's role in humans.
- Previous associations of Pro7 substitution include plasma NPY, cardiovascular risk factors, birth weight, serum triglycerides, and endothelial function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the Leu7Pro polymorphism and relative weight, nutrient intake, and serum lipids in early childhood.
- To analyze data from 647 healthy Finnish children followed for 9 years.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping for the Leu7Pro polymorphism.
- Assessment of relative weight and nutrient intakes (energy, macronutrients).
- Measurement of serum lipid profiles, specifically triglycerides.
Main Results:
- No significant association was found between Leu7Pro polymorphism and energy or macronutrient intake in either gender.
- Relative weight was not linked to the Leu7Pro polymorphism in children.
- A significant association was observed between Pro7 substitution and elevated serum triglyceride concentrations in boys at ages 5, 7, and 9.
Conclusions:
- The Leu7Pro polymorphism is unlikely to influence adiposity or dietary preferences in childhood.
- In boys, the Pro7 variant of the NPY gene may play a role in modulating serum triglyceride levels during childhood.
Context:
The important role of neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the regulation of food intake and energy balance has been firmly documented in rodents, but human data are sparse. The recently identified functional Leu7Pro polymorphism in the signal peptide region of the prepro-NPY is a useful tool for the investigation of the role of NPY in men. Pro7 substitution has been associated with the following: plasma NPY concentration, the risk factors of cardiovascular disease, birth weight of children, serum triglyceride concentration, and the function of vascular endothelium.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to analyze the connection between Leu7Pro polymorphism and relative weight, nutrient intakes, and serum lipids in early childhood. We closely followed 647 healthy Finnish children participating in the Special Turku Risk Factor Intervention Project through their first 9 yr of life.
Results:
Leu7Pro polymorphism showed no relation to intakes of energy, macronutrients, or the relative weight in either gender. However, Pro7 substitution was associated with serum triglyceride concentration in boys at the ages of 5, 7, and 9 yr.
Conclusion:
The functional Leu7Pro polymorphism is not likely to be involved in the regulation of adiposity or major nutrient preferences in childhood. In boys, the Pro7 variant may have impact on serum triglyceride concentration.
