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

Published on: May 6, 2022

Association between manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) gene polymorphism and elderly obesity

Marco Aurélio Echart Montano1, Juan Pablo Barrio Lera, Maria Gabriela Valle Gottlieb

  • 1Departamento de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidad de Leon, Spain.

Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
|March 6, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Obesity is linked to oxidative stress. This study found a significant association between the manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) gene polymorphism and obesity in older adults, independent of other health factors.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Metabolic Health
  • Oxidative Stress

Background:

  • Obesity is associated with increased oxidative stress due to elevated superoxide production.
  • Superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes are critical for detoxifying superoxide radicals.
  • The manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) gene, specifically the Ala16Val polymorphism, is investigated for its role in obesity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between the Ala16Val MnSOD gene polymorphism and obesity.
  • To explore the interaction between MnSOD polymorphism and obesity in influencing biochemical and nutritional status.
  • To determine if MnSOD polymorphism is an independent risk factor for obesity.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 815 community-dwelling subjects aged 60 years and older.
  • Classification of subjects into obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) and non-obese (BMI < 25 kg/m²) groups.
  • Genotyping for the Ala16Val MnSOD gene polymorphism and assessment of biochemical/nutritional variables.

Main Results:

  • A significant positive association was found between MnSOD polymorphism and obesity.
  • The VV genotype frequency was higher in the obese group (28.2%, P = 0.002, OR 1.949).
  • This association remained significant even after adjusting for sex, age, diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome.

Conclusions:

  • The Ala16Val MnSOD gene polymorphism is associated with obesity in older adults.
  • This genetic variation may contribute to obesity through mechanisms involving superoxide enzyme imbalance and altered metabolic pathways.
  • MnSOD polymorphism represents a potential genetic factor influencing the obese state.

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