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Developing a Rat Model for Bipolar Disorder
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Genes implicated in serotonergic and dopaminergic functioning predict BMI categories.

Bernard F Fuemmeler1, Tanya D Agurs-Collins, F Joseph McClernon

  • 1Department of Community and Family Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA. bernard.fuemmeler@duke.edu

Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.)
|February 2, 2008
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Genetic variations in serotonin (SLC6A4) and monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) genes are linked to body mass index (BMI) categories and changes in BMI from adolescence to adulthood, particularly in men.

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Sample Preparation to Bioinformatics Analysis of DNA Methylation: Association Strategy for Obesity and Related Trait Studies
14:56

Sample Preparation to Bioinformatics Analysis of DNA Methylation: Association Strategy for Obesity and Related Trait Studies

Published on: May 6, 2022

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Behavioral Science
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Obesity is a complex health issue with multifactorial causes, including genetic predispositions.
  • Understanding the genetic underpinnings of body mass index (BMI) is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
  • Previous research suggests a role for neurotransmitter systems in regulating energy balance and body weight.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between genetic variations in dopamine and serotonin pathways and BMI categories in young adults.
  • To examine if these genetic variations predict changes in BMI during the transition from adolescence to young adulthood.
  • To explore potential interactions between genetic factors, gender, and race/ethnicity in relation to BMI.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), analyzing 1,584 unrelated individuals with genotype data.
  • Employed multiple logistic regression models to assess the relationship between specific gene polymorphisms and BMI categories (normal, overweight, obese).
  • Applied linear regression models to evaluate the impact of genetic variations on BMI changes from adolescence to young adulthood.

Main Results:

  • A significant association was identified between the SLC6A4 5HTTLPR polymorphism and BMI categories.
  • The MAOA promoter VNTR polymorphism showed a significant association with BMI categories in men.
  • Stratified analyses indicated that these genetic associations were more pronounced in men, specifically white and Hispanic men.
  • The SLC6A4 5HTTLPR polymorphism significantly influenced BMI changes over time.

Conclusions:

  • The study provides evidence supporting the involvement of genes regulating dopamine and serotonin in energy balance and BMI.
  • Genetic variations in SLC6A4 and MAOA may play a role in the development of obesity and overweight.
  • Findings highlight the importance of considering genetic factors in personalized approaches to weight management.