Association between CNTF Polymorphisms and Adiposity Markers in European Adolescents

To examine the association between polymorphisms of the ciliary neurotrophic factor gene (CNTF) and total and central adiposity markers in adolescents.

This cross-sectional study involved 1057 European adolescents aged 12-18 years enrolled in the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence Cross-Sectional Study. Five polymorphisms of CNTF were genotyped, and the weight, height, waist and hip circumference, and triceps and subscapular skinfold thickness of the subjects were measured and recorded.

The T allele of rs2509914, the C allele of rs2515363, and the G allele of rs2515362 were significantly associated (after Bonferroni correction) with higher values for several adiposity markers under different inheritance models. The CNTF CCGGA haplotype (rs2509914, rs17489568, rs2515363 rs1800169, and rs2515362) was also significantly associated with lower body mass index, waist circumference, waist/height ratio, and waist/hip ratio values compared with the TCCGG haplotype under several inheritance models.

Three polymorphisms-rs2509914, rs2515363, and rs2515362-and the CCGGA haplotype of CNTF were significantly associated with adiposity in European adolescents. These results suggest the potential role of CTNF in the development of obesity-related phenotypes.