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Association of ADIPOQ, LEP, and FTO gene polymorphisms with large for gestational age infants
Caroline Kroll1, Silmara S B S Mastroeni2,3, Paul J Veugelers2
1Post-Graduation Program in Health and Environment, University of Joinville Region, Joinville, Santa Catarina, 89.219-710, Brazil.
Insights
The GG genotype of the LEP rs7799039 polymorphism increases the risk of large for gestational age (LGA) births in Brazilian infants. Further research is needed to understand the exact mechanisms involved in birth weight regulation.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Pediatrics
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Birth weight is a critical indicator of neonatal health.
- Genetic factors play a significant role in determining fetal growth and birth weight.
- Polymorphisms in genes like ADIPOQ, LEP, and FTO are investigated for their association with birth weight variations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of ADIPOQ rs2241766, LEP rs7799039, and FTO rs9939609 gene polymorphisms on the birth weight status of Brazilian newborns.
- To identify specific genetic variants associated with large for gestational age (LGA) and small for gestational age (SGA) infants.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted in southern Brazil.
- 105 LGA newborns and 105 small/adequate for gestational age newborns were included.
- Genotyping was performed using PCR-RFLP, and logistic regression analyzed associations between polymorphisms and LGA status.
Main Results:
- Infants with the GG genotype of LEP rs7799039 showed a 2.12-fold increased likelihood of being born LGA, a finding robust to adjustments.
- A trend towards increased LGA risk was observed for ADIPOQ rs2241766 (TG/GG genotypes), though not statistically significant (p=0.082).
- No significant association was found between the FTO rs9939609 polymorphism and newborn birth weight status.
Conclusions:
- The GG genotype of the LEP polymorphism rs7799039 is identified as a risk factor for LGA infants in the studied Brazilian population.
- The precise role and underlying mechanisms of this LEP genotype in controlling birth weight require further investigation.
- Additional research is necessary to fully elucidate the genetic influences on birth weight and its clinical implications.
Objective:
The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the ADIPOQ rs2241766, LEP rs7799039, and FTO rs9939609 polymorphisms on the birth weight status of Brazilian infants.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted in southern Brazil. Large for gestational age (LGA) newborns (n = 105), and the same number of small for gestational age/adequate for gestational age newborns, were included. Genotyping of the rs2241766, rs7799039, and rs9939609 polymorphisms was done by PCR-RFLP analysis. Logistic regression was used to investigate the association between LGA newborns and the presence of the polymorphisms.
Results:
Infants carrying the GG genotype of the rs7799039 polymorphism were 2.12 times more likely to be born LGA than those carrying the GA + AA genotypes (95% CI: 1.17-3.83). These results did not change substantially after adjusting for potential confounding variables (OR = 1.98; 95% CI 1.05-3.73) and adjustment for the three polymorphisms (OR = 1.98; 95% CI 1.05-3.74). Regarding the ADIPOQ polymorphism, newborns carrying the TG or GG genotype were 1.88 times more likely to be born LGA than those carrying the TT genotype, although this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.082). No association was found between the FTO gene polymorphism and newborn weight status.
Conclusions:
This study showed that the GG genotype of the LEP polymorphism rs7799039 is a risk factor for LGA infants. The exact role and mechanism of action of the GG genotype of this polymorphism in weight status control remain to be elucidated, and more studies are needed.
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