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Updated: Apr 18, 2026

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Association of INSIG2 polymorphism with overweight and LDL in children
Anne-Marie Kaulfers1, Ranjan Deka2, Lawrence Dolan3
1Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, United States of America.
Background:
Dyslipidemia and overweight are common issues in children. Identifying genetic markers of risk could lead to targeted interventions. A polymorphism of SNP rs7566605 near insulin-induced gene 2 (INSIG2) has been identified as a strong candidate gene for obesity, through its feedback control of lipid synthesis.
Objective:
To identify polymorphisms in INSIG2 which are associated with overweight (BMI ≥ 85% for age) and dyslipidemia in children.
Hypothesis:
The C allele of rs7566605 would be significantly associated with BMI and LDL.
Design/Methods:
We genotyped 15 SNPs in/near INSIG2 in 1,058 healthy children (53% non-Hispanic white (NHW), 37% overweight) participating in a school based study. Genotype was compared with BMI and lipid markers, adjusting for age, gender, and puberty.
Results:
We found a significant association between the SNP rs12464355 and LDL in NHW children, p < 0.001. The G allele is protective (lower LDL). A different SNP was associated with overweight in NHW: rs17047757. SNP rs7566605 was not associated with overweight or lipid levels.
Conclusions:
We identified novel genetic associations between INSIG2 and both overweight and LDL in NHW children. Polymorphisms in INSIG2 may be important in the development of obesity through its effects on lipid regulation.
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