LEPR polymorphism may affect energy balance during weight loss among Brazilians obese adolescents

Leptin is an adipokine released mainly by adipose tissue, with many functions including regulation of energy balance. However, little is known about the effect of LEPR polymorphism on orexigenic and anorexigenic neuropeptides. Thus, the aim of the present study is to verify the influence of LEPR polymorphism (rs2767485) on serum orexigenic (NPY, MCH and AgRP) and anorexigenic (Leptin and α-MSH) neuropeptides levels among obese adolescents submitted to 1year of multicomponent weight loss therapy.

Seventy-six adolescents with obesity were enrolled in 1year of weight loss therapy including clinical, nutritional, psychological and exercise-related. Blood samples were collected to analyze neuropeptides (NPY, MCH, AgRP and leptin) and LEPR genotyping. Visceral fat was measured by ultrasound and body composition was measured by plethysmography. The parameters were measured at baseline and after one year. Adolescents were grouped according to genotype (TT or CT+CC group). Effect of the weight loss therapy was analyzed through ANOVA and Wilcox, according to normality. Statistic value was set at <0.05.

C-allele carriers have the orexigenic neuropeptides (NPY, AgRP and MCH) levels statistically higher when compared with TT group, at baseline. Furthermore, TT group seems to respond better to the therapy by a greater delta on BMI. Indeed, the data suggest a concomitant increased of AgRP levels in CT+CC genotypes, after weight loss therapy.

Both groups responded to the weight loss intervention, however wildtypes (TT) appear to respond to the intervention most optimally with C carries, where post intervention reduction in BMI was significantly greater in wildtypes. The leptin receptor polymorphism seems to affect neuroendocrine regulation of energy balance among adolescents with obesity.