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INSIG2 is Associated with Lower Gain in Weight-for-Length Between Birth and Age 6 Months

Ann Chen Wu1, Matthew W Gillman, Elsie M Taveras

  • 1Center for Child Health Care Studies, Department of Ambulatory Care and Prevention, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A.

Clinical Medicine. Pediatrics
|April 1, 2010
PubMed

Insights

A common DNA polymorphism near the INSIG2 gene was studied in early childhood. CC homozygosity was linked to lower weight gain in infants, but this association changed with age.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Pediatrics
  • Obesity Research

Background:

  • A common DNA polymorphism, rs7566605, near the INSIG2 (insulin-induced gene 2) has been linked to obesity in older populations.
  • Previous research has not examined the association of this polymorphism with weight status in early childhood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the association of the rs7566605 polymorphism with weight-for-length in infants and young children.
  • To determine if the INSIG2 gene's association with obesity differs by age group.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of the rs7566605 polymorphism in 319 children from the Project Viva pre-birth cohort study.
  • Assessment of weight-for-length z-score changes between birth and 6 months, and at 3 years of age.

Main Results:

  • CC homozygosity for rs7566605 was associated with a lower gain in weight-for-length z-score between birth and 6 months compared to GG homozygosity or GC heterozygosity.
  • No significant association was found between the rs7566605 polymorphism and weight status at 3 years of age.

Conclusions:

  • The association between the INSIG2 gene polymorphism and obesity may change direction during early development.
  • Findings suggest age-dependent effects of the INSIG2 gene on weight status in children.

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