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Uncoupling protein-2 gene polymorphisms are associated with obesity in Hungarian children

K Csernus1, G Pauler, E Erhardt

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Medical Faculty, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary. cs-kata@freemail.hu

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|February 26, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Genetic variations in the uncoupling protein 2 (UCP-2) gene are linked to childhood obesity risk. Specific UCP-2 gene polymorphisms may influence a child's propensity towards being overweight or obese.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Pediatrics
  • Metabolism

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern.
  • Genetic factors play a role in energy metabolism and obesity development.
  • Identifying gene polymorphisms associated with obesity can inform prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the frequency of common gene polymorphisms related to energy metabolism in children.
  • To determine if these polymorphisms affect the risk of childhood obesity in a Hungarian cohort.

Main Methods:

  • Genotyping was performed on 1,346 children (6-17 years old), including 709 overweight/obese and 637 normal weight.
  • Polymorphisms analyzed included those in the β3-adrenoreceptor, uncoupling protein (UCP)-1, UCP-2, UCP-3, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ genes.
  • Statistical analysis, including multivariate regression, was used to assess associations with obesity risk.

Main Results:

  • The UCP-2 -866 A variant was associated with a reduced odds ratio for obesity.
  • Conversely, UCP-2 exon 8 insertion allele carriers had an increased odds ratio for obesity.
  • No significant associations were found for other examined gene polymorphisms.

Conclusions:

  • Common polymorphisms within the UCP-2 gene appear to influence the susceptibility to overweight and obesity in Hungarian children.
  • These findings highlight the potential role of UCP-2 gene variants in pediatric obesity.
Abstract

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