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Association of melanocortin-4 receptor gene polymorphisms with obesity-related parameters in Malaysian Malays

Yamunah Devi Apalasamy1, Moy Foong Ming, Sanjay Rampal

  • 1Pharmacogenomics Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. yamuna219@yahoo.com

Annals of Human Biology
|September 20, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) gene variants rs571312 and rs2229616 are linked to obesity indicators like BMI and cholesterol in Malaysian Malays. However, MC4R haplotypes showed no association with obesity in this population.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Metabolic Health
  • Human Physiology

Background:

  • The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) plays a crucial role in regulating body weight and energy consumption.
  • Genetic variations within the MC4R gene are increasingly recognized as significant contributors to obesity worldwide.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between MC4R gene polymorphisms and obesity-related parameters in the Malaysian Malay population.
  • To analyze the Linkage Disequilibrium (LD) patterns and haplotype associations within the MC4R gene region in this cohort.

Main Methods:

  • Genomic DNA was isolated from buccal swabs of 652 Malaysian Malay participants.
  • Genotyping of MC4R single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was conducted using the Sequenom MassARRAY® iPLEX platform.
  • Standard anthropometric measurements and blood lipid profiles were assessed.

Main Results:

  • The MC4R rs571312 SNP demonstrated a significant association with log-transformed Body Mass Index (logBMI) and systolic blood pressure.
  • The MC4R rs2229616 SNP was significantly associated with total cholesterol (TC) levels.
  • No significant association was found between the MC4R rs7227255 SNP and the studied obesity parameters.

Conclusions:

  • The Linkage Disequilibrium (LD) within the investigated MC4R gene region in Malaysian Malays was found to be low.
  • No significant association was observed between MC4R haplotypes and obesity in the Malaysian Malay study group.

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