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PPAR-gamma2 Pro12Ala variant, insulin resistance and plasma long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in childhood

Silvia Scaglioni1, Elvira Verduci, Michela Salvioni

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan, I-20142 Milan, Italy. silvia.scaglioni@unimi.it

Pediatric Research
|August 31, 2006
PubMed

Insights

The Pro12Ala variant of PPAR-gamma2 may improve insulin sensitivity in obese children. This genetic factor is linked to higher levels of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids in plasma phospholipids.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Metabolic Health
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • The Pro12Ala variant of peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor-gamma2 (PPAR-gamma2) is a common genetic polymorphism.
  • Previous research suggests a potential link between PPAR-gamma2 Pro12Ala and improved insulin sensitivity.
  • Obesity in children is associated with insulin resistance and altered fatty acid profiles.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between the PPAR-gamma2 Pro12Ala variant and insulin resistance in obese children.
  • To examine the relationship between this genetic variant and plasma levels of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) in the same cohort.

Main Methods:

  • A study was conducted on 140 Italian obese children (mean age 10.2 years).
  • Obesity was defined using International Obesity Task Force criteria, and BMI Z-scores were calculated.
  • Fasting blood glucose, insulin, lipids, and plasma fatty acids were measured; insulin resistance was assessed using the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA-IR).

Main Results:

  • The frequency of the Ala allele was 9% in the study population.
  • Children with the Pro12Ala variant showed significantly lower fasting insulin levels and HOMA-IR compared to the Pro/Pro group (p=0.017 and p=0.022, respectively).
  • The Pro12Ala group also exhibited higher plasma levels of specific LCPUFAs, notably omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., C20:5n-3, C22:6n-3), and a lower n-6/n-3 ratio.

Conclusions:

  • The PPAR-gamma2 Pro12Ala variant may be associated with enhanced insulin sensitivity in obese children.
  • This genetic variant appears to be linked to favorable plasma phospholipid LCPUFA profiles, particularly increased levels of omega-3 fatty acids.
  • These findings suggest a potential role for PPAR-gamma2 genetics in modulating metabolic health and fatty acid metabolism during childhood obesity.

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