Increased risk of obesity resulting from the interaction between high energy intake and the Trp64Arg polymorphism of the beta3-adrenergic receptor gene in healthy Japanese men

In the context of the triple burden of malnutrition: A systematic review of gene-diet interactions and nutritional status

Genetic background interacts with dietary components to modulate nutritional health status. This study aimed to review the evidence for gene-diet interactions in all forms of malnutrition. A comprehensive systematic literature search was conducted through April 2021 to identify observational and intervention studies reporting the effects of gene-diet interactions in over-nutrition, under-nutrition and micronutrient status. Risk of publication bias was assessed using the Quality Criteria Checklist and a tool specifically designed for gene-diet interaction research. 167 studies from 27 populations were included. The majority of studies investigated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in overnutrition (n = 158). Diets rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits and low in total and saturated fats, such as Mediterranean and DASH diets, showed promising effects for reducing obesity risk among individuals who had higher genetic risk scores for obesity, particularly the risk alleles carriers of FTO rs9939609, rs1121980 and rs1421085. Other SNPs in MC4R, PPARG and APOA5 genes were also commonly studied for interaction with diet on overnutrition though findings were inconclusive. Only limited data were found related to undernutrition (n = 1) and micronutrient status (n = 9). The findings on gene-diet interactions in this review highlight the importance of personalized nutrition, and more research on undernutrition and micronutrient status is warranted.

Effect of the beta-3 adrenergic receptor Trp64Arg and uncoupling protein 1-3826 A>G genotypes on lipid and apolipoprotein levels in overweight/obese and non-obese Chinese subjects

BACKGROUND

The beta-3 adrenergic receptor (β3-AR) Trp64Arg and uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) -3826 A>G polymorphisms have been reported to be associated with obesity and/or lipid metabolism in some populations. This study examined the possible association of the β3-AR and UCP1 polymorphisms with overweight/obesity or lipid variation in a Southwest Chinese population.

METHODS

A total of 418 Han Chinese (249 overweight/obese and 169 healthy control subjects) in the Chengdu area were studied using PCR-RFLP analysis. Total serum cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TGs) were measured using an enzymatic method. High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was determined after sodium phosphotungstate/magnesium chloride precipitation of low-density lipoproteins by polyvinyl sulfate. Serum apolipoproteins were quantified by radial immunodiffusion.

RESULTS

The genotype and allele frequencies of the β3-AR Trp64Arg and UCP1 -3826 A>G polymorphisms in overweight/obese subjects exhibited no significant differences compared to the controls. However, subjects carrying the β3-AR TrpTrp genotype and UCP1 AG genotype had higher TG levels than those carrying the Arg allele and AA genotype, respectively (P<0.05), while controls carrying the β3-AR Arg allele had significantly higher TC and apo AII concentrations than those carrying the TrpTrp genotype (P<0.05). Additionally, subjects carrying the UCP1 AG genotype exhibited elevated apo C-II and apo C-III levels compared to those carrying the AA genotype (P<0.05). We were unable to find an association of the UCP1 and β3-AR polymorphisms with low HDL-cholesterolemia in the overweight/obese subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study provides evidence that the β3-AR Trp64Arg and UCP1 -3826 A>G polymorphisms are associated with TG levels in overweight/obese Chinese subjects and that the two polymorphisms are also associated with certain lipid and apolipoprotein variations, depending on BMI. However, these polymorphisms are not associated with overweight/obesity or low HDL-cholesterolemia in a Chinese population from the Chengdu area.

Dietary patterns interact with APOA1/APOC3 polymorphisms to alter the risk of the metabolic syndrome: the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

The interaction of genetic and dietary factors, as an area of CVD research, has been explored poorly. The aim of the present study was to examine the interaction of dietary patterns and three genetic variants of APOA1 and APOC3, both independently and in combination, relative to the risk of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Tehranian adults. In the present matched, nested case–control study, 414 subjects with the MetS and 414 controls were selected from the participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. Dietary patterns were determined by factor analysis. APOC3 (rs5128 3238C>G) and APOA1 (rs670, − 75G>A and rs5069,+83C>T) SNP were genotyped by the conventional PCR followed by the restriction fragment length polymorphism technique. Overall, three major dietary patterns were extracted: healthy dietary pattern (HDP); Western dietary pattern (WDP); fat–sweet dietary pattern (FSDP). The A and T allele carriers of the APOA1 SNP had a greater risk of developing the MetS in the highest quartile of WDP scores (OR 3·22, 95 % CI 1·21, 8·58, Pinteraction= 0·03). Compared with other genotype combinations, the combined effect of APOC3/APOA1 (CC/GA+AA/CT+TT) genotypes showed a further increase in the risk of the MetS in the highest quartile of WDP scores (OR 1, 2·49, 8·73, 6·32, Ptrend< 0·001, Pinteraction= 0·003). A significant interaction was found between the quartiles of FSDP scores and the APOA1 diplotype (GA+AA/CT+TT). OR for these genotype carriers were 1, 0·65, 0·57 and 0·22 (Ptrend= 0·006) in the lowest to the highest quartile of FSDP scores when compared with the other combined genotypes (Pinteraction= 0·03). Our findings suggest that the WDP and FSDP are associated with APOA1 and APOC3 SNP in relation to the risk of the MetS.

Cigarette smoking and other risk factors for kidney cancer death in a Japanese population: Japan Collaborative Cohort Study for evaluation of cancer risk (JACC study)

BACKGROUND

Cigarette smoking is the largest single recognized cause of human cancers. In Western countries, many epidemiologists have reported risk factors for kidney cancer including smoking. However, little is known about the Japanese population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We evaluated the association of smoking with the risk of kidney cancer death in the Japan Collaborative Cohort (JACC) Study. Participants included 46,395 males and 64,190 females. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine age-and-sex adjusted relative risks.

RESULTS

A total of 62 males and 26 females died from kidney cancer during the follow-up of 707,136 and 1,025,703 person-years, respectively. Heavy smokers (Brinkman index >1200), fondness of fatty foods, hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), and obesity were suggested to increase the risk of renal cell carcinoma while walking was suggested to decrease the risk. Even after controlling for age, sex, alcohol drinking and DM, heavy smoking significantly increased the risk.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study suggests that six factors including smoking may increase and/or reduce the risk of kidney cancer in the Japanese population. Because of the small number of outcomes, however, we did not evaluate these factors after adjusting for all possible confounding factors. Further studies may be needed to confirm the findings in this study.

Meta-analyses between 18 candidate genetic markers and overweight/obesity

Aims

The goal of our study is to investigate the associations between 18 candidate genetic markers and overweight/obesity.

Methods

A total of 72 eligible articles were retrieved from literature databases including PubMed, Embase, SpingerLink, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang. Meta-analyses of 18 genetic markers among 56,738 controls and 48,148 overweight/obese persons were done by Review Manager 5.0.

Results

Our results showed that SH2B1 rs7498665 polymorphism was significantly associated with the risk of overweight/obesity (overall odds ratio (OR) = 1.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.09-1.34, P = 0.0004). Increased risk of overweight/obesity was also observed in FAIM2 rs7138803 polymorphism (overall OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.01-1.22, P = 0.04).

Conclusion

Our meta-analyses have shown the important role of 2 polymorphisms (SH2B1 rs7498665 and FAIM2 rs7138803) in the development of overweight/obesity. This study highlighted the importance of above two candidate genes (SH2B1 and FAIM2) in the risk of overweight/obesity.

Virtual slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/2785487401176182.

No association between tea consumption and risk of renal cell carcinoma: a meta-analysis of epidemiological studies

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between tea consumption and the risk of renal cell carcinoma.

METHODS

We searched PubMed,Web of Science and Scopus between 1970 and November 2012. Two evaluators independently reviewed and selected articles based on predetermined selection criteria.

RESULTS

Twelve epidemiological studies (ten case-control studies and two cohort studies) were included in the final analysis. In a meta-analysis of all included studies, when compared with the lowest level of tea consumption, the overall relative risk (RR) of renal cell carcinoma for the highest level of tea consumption was 1.03 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.89-1.21). In subgroup meta-analyses by study design, there was no significant association between tea consumption and renal cell carcinoma risk in ten case-control studies using adjusted data (RR=1.08, 95% CI 0.84-1.40). Furthermore, there was no significant association in two cohort studies using adjusted data (RR=0.95, 95% CI 0.81-1.12).

CONCLUSION

Our findings do not support the conclusion that tea consumption is related to decreased risk of renal cell carcinoma. Further prospective cohort studies are required.

Interactions of genetic and environmental risk factors with respect to body fat mass in children: results from the ALSPAC study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate if percentile-specific effects of genetic, environmental and lifestyle obesity risk factors on body mass index (BMI) might reflect gene-environment interactions with respect to the development of overweight.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Retrospective study with data of 2,346 children from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), using quantile regression with body fat mass index (FMI) for children at the age of 9 years as outcome variable. We assessed interactions of an "obesity-risk-allele-score" with environmental and nutritional factors.

RESULTS

There was no evidence of interactions between the obesity-risk-allele score and the environmental variables except for maternal overweight. However, we found a significant interaction with respect to intake of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids at the age of 7. In children with low intake, genetic risk was associated with increasing effect sizes by FMI percentile.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest an interaction between a low dietary content of unsaturated fatty acids and genetic risk factors for overweight on FMI. This effect is likely to be stronger in children with higher FMI.

ADRB3 and PPARγ2 gene polymorphisms and their association with cardiovascular disease risk in postmenopausal women

OBJECTIVES

The contribution of heritability to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is of interest as the identification of genes enhancing the susceptibility of individuals to CVD may help the design of clinical interventions optimized for the individual's genome.

METHODS

We studied the associations of polymorphism of ADRB3 and PPARγ2 genes with obesity indices, unfavorable lipid profile parameters and insulin resistance index HOMA in 343 postmenopausal women.

RESULTS

No association was found between tested polymorphisms and CVD risk factors such as total cholesterol ≥ 5.0 mmol/l, high density lipoprotein cholesterol < 1.2 mmol/l, low density lipoprotein cholesterol > 3.0 mmol/l and triacylglycerols > 1.7 mmol/l. The presence of arterial hypertension and HOMA value ≥ 1.95 were also not related to these polymorphisms. A significant association between PPARγ2 gene polymorphism and total body fat mass (odds ratio = 1.90 at p = 0.037) as well as android fat deposit mass (odds ratio = 1.82 at p = 0.048) was found.

CONCLUSIONS

CVD risk factors in postmenopausal women are not directly associated with the polymorphisms of PPARγ2 and ADRB3 genes. We suggest that some indirect link between PPARγ2 gene polymorphism and susceptibility of postmenopausal women to CVD may exist. This suggestion is based on our finding that high total body fat mass and high android fat deposits are associated with the presence of the Pro12Ala allele of the PPARγ2 gene.

Maternal folate, alcohol and energy metabolism-related gene polymorphisms and the risk of recurrent pregnancy loss

Epidemiological studies have suggested that the condition of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) may be multifactorial, with both genetic predisposition and environmental factors potentially involved in its pathogenesis. The aim of this study is to elucidate the associations between maternal folate, alcohol and energy metabolism-related gene polymorphisms and the risk of RPL. This case–control study, which involved 116 cases with two or more instances of RPL and 306 fertile controls, was performed in the city of Sapporo, Japan. The associations between eight single nucleotide polymorphisms of folate, alcohol and energy metabolism-related genes [methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), 5-methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine methyltransferase (MTR), 5-methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine methyltransferase reductase (MTRR), alcohol dehydrogenase 1B (ADH1B), aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), beta-3-adrenergic receptor (ADRB3) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG)], and RPL were assessed. Without consideration of cigarette smoking or alcohol use, the risk of RPL significantly decreased in women with the MTHFR rs1801133 TT, MTR rs1805087 AG or ALDH2 rs671 AA genotype (P < 0.05). The risk of RPL associated with cigarette smoking and alcohol use decreased significantly in women carrying the MTHFR rs1801133 T allele [odds ratio (OR), 0.51; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.27–0.95]. Similarly, the risk of RPL significantly decreased in women carrying the MTR rs1805087 G allele (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.23–0.85). Our findings suggest that maternal gene polymorphisms related to folate metabolism may decrease the risk of RPL. Molecular epidemiological studies are needed to unequivocally elucidate the multifactorial effects of both genetic and environmental factors on human fecundity.

ADRB3 polymorphism associated with BMI gain in Japanese men

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the Trp64Arg polymorphism in the beta3-adrenergic receptor gene (ADRB3: rs4994) and BMI and serological and anthropometric data in healthy Japanese. Methods. Healthy Japanese recruited in a large-scale integrated manufacturing facility in Japan (N = 1355; age: 37.25 ± 9.43; BMI: 22.86 ± 3.46) were eligible for analysis. The anthropometric data and serological data were measured during a comprehensive health check, and a self-reporting questionnaire was used to assess lifestyle habits (current exercise, smoking status, alcohol intake, and working style) and weight at age 20. Genotyping for the ADRB3 polymorphism was performed by PCR-RFLP method. Results. Among 1355 participants, the genotype frequencies of the Trp/Trp, Trp/Arg, and Arg/Arg variants were 920 (67.9%), 394 (29.1%), and 41 (3.05%), respectively. In the multivariate analysis, a multiple linear regression model in men for the adjustment of age, drinking habits, smoking habits, exercise habits, working status and serological measurements statistically showed an overall weak significance between annual BMI gain from age 20 and age, LDL or ADRB3 polymorphism. Conclusions. The level of LDL, age, and ADRB3 polymorphism (Arg/Arg genotype) were statistically associated with annual BMI gain in Japanese men.

Association between ESR1 rs1884051 polymorphism and dietary total energy and plant protein intake on obesity in Korean men

ESR1 has been listed in the Human Obesity Gene Map as candidate gene associated with obesity. Thus, in this study, we investigated the effect of the ESR1 rs1884051 polymorphism on obesity-related variables, together with their modulations by dietary intake in Korean men. The obesity-related variables and dietary intake of 3,039 Korean men aged 40-59 years from KoGES database were analyzed. Body weight (P = 0.007), BMI (P = 0.003), waist-hip ratio (= 0.011), fat body mass (P = 0.010), and body fat percentage (P = 0.040) were significantly lower in subjects with the minor T allele of ESR1 rs1884051 than in subjects carrying the C allele. Moreover, the rs1884051 T allele was associated with a decreased risk of obesity prevalence (P = 0.040). Among the subjects whose total energy intake was below the median, carrier of the minor T allele of ESR1 rs1884051 had a lower BMI (P = 0.003) when compared with subjects carrying the C allele. In addition, among subjects whose plant protein intake was above the median, carrier of the minor T allele of ESR1 rs1884051 had a lower BMI (P = 0.044) compared with subjects carrying the C allele. Our findings demonstrate that there is a significant association between the ESR1 rs1884051 variant and obesity-related variables and this association can be potentially modified by dietary energy and plant protein intake.

Association of a cyclin-dependent kinase 5 regulatory subunit-associated protein 1-like 1 (CDKAL1) polymorphism with elevated hemoglobin A₁(c) levels and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Japanese men: interaction with dietary energy intake

Genome-wide association studies have identified the cyclin-dependent kinase 5 regulatory subunit-associated protein 1-like 1 (CDKAL1) gene as a novel risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Application of this genetic marker for prevention of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in healthy populations has not yet been evaluated. The authors examined the effects of a CDKAL1 polymorphism (rs9465871) on metabolic phenotype and of gene-lifestyle (CDKAL1-energy intake) interaction on MetS in a cohort of apparently healthy Japanese men examined in 2003. The CC genotype of the CDKAL1 variant was associated with elevated glycosylated hemoglobin A₁(c) (HbA1c) levels. The prevalence of MetS was 25.6% for CC and 16.3% for TT + CT (odds ratio = 2.18, 95% confidence interval: 1.06, 4.48; P = 0.035). When dietary energy intake was accounted for, the variant's effect on HbA1c was observed in the highest energy-intake group (mean: CC, 5.6% (standard deviation, 1.7); TT + CT, 5.0% (standard deviation, 0.5); P = 0.025). In addition, the positive association between HbA1c and energy intake was stronger in subjects with the CC genotype than in subjects with TT + CT. These results suggest that the interaction between the CDKAL1 polymorphism and dietary energy intake influences the dysglycemic phenotype leading to MetS, possibly through impaired insulin secretion. The CDKAL1 polymorphism may be a marker for MetS in the Japanese population.

Plasma fatty acid composition, estimated desaturase activities, and intakes of energy and nutrient in Japanese men with abdominal obesity or metabolic syndrome

To examine predictive factors for abdominal obesity or metabolic syndrome, we investigated the association of plasma fatty acid composition, estimated desaturase activity, and nutrient intakes, with abdominal obesity or metabolic syndrome in Japanese males. Clinical characteristics, the fatty acid composition of plasma cholesteryl esters, and energy and nutrient intakes were analyzed in 3 groups: metabolic syndrome (MS, n=24), abdominal obesity (OB, n=43), and control (n=27). The estimated desaturase activities were calculated by the ratio of 16:1n-7/16:0, 18:3n-6/18:2n-6, and 20:4n-6/20:3n-6 in plasma cholesteryl esters as surrogates of the measure of the delta 9, delta 6, delta 5 desaturase (D9-16D, D6D and D5D) activities, respectively. Plasma fatty acid composition did not differ significantly between the OB group and the control group. The MS group had higher levels of palmitoleic, oleic, and gamma-linolenic acids, but a lower level of linoleic acid than the control. Stronger D6D activity and weaker D5D activity were observed in the OB group. A higher level of D9-16D activity as well as a higher level of D6D activity and a lower level of D5D activity was observed in the MS group. A logistic regression analysis showed that the low D5D activity and high D9-16D activity were predictive of the development of abdominal obesity from controls (odds ratio=0.39, p<0.05) and metabolic syndrome from abdominal obesity (odds ratio=2.44, p<0.05), respectively. In the multiple linear regression analysis, D5D activity positively correlated with the intake of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). In conclusion, the estimated D5D activity was a predictive factor for abdominal obesity and the estimated D9-16D activity was a predictive factor for developing metabolic syndrome from abdominal obesity in Japanese male subjects. Dietary intake of EPA would play an important role in preventing abdominal obesity and the development of metabolic syndrome.

Gene-environment interaction and obesity

The epidemic of obesity has become a major public health problem. Common-form obesity is underpinned by both environmental and genetic factors. Epidemiological studies have documented that increased intakes of energy and reduced consumption of high-fiber foods, as well as sedentary lifestyle, were among the major driving forces for the epidemic of obesity. Recent genome-wide association studies have identified several genes convincingly related to obesity risk, including the fat mass and obesity associated gene and the melanocortin-4 receptor gene. Testing gene-environment interaction is a relatively new field. This article reviews recent advances in identifying the genetic and environmental risk factors (lifestyle and diet) for obesity. The evidence for gene-environment interaction, especially from observational studies and randomized intervention trials, is examined specifically. Knowledge about the interplay between genetic and environmental components may facilitate the choice of more effective and specific measures for obesity prevention based on the personalized genetic make-up.

Pharmacogenetics of ophthalmic topical beta-blockers

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. The primary glaucoma risk factor is elevated intraocular pressure. Topical beta-blockers are affordable and widely used to lower intraocular pressure. Genetic variability has been postulated to contribute to interpersonal differences in efficacy and safety of topical beta-blockers. This review summarizes clinically significant polymorphisms that have been identified in the beta-adrenergic receptors (ADRB1, ADRB2 and ADRB3). The implications of polymorphisms in CYP2D6 are also discussed. Although the candidate-gene approach has facilitated significant progress in our understanding of the genetic basis of glaucoma treatment response, most drug responses involve a large number of genes, each containing multiple polymorphisms. Genome-wide association studies may yield a more comprehensive set of polymorphisms associated with glaucoma outcomes. An understanding of the genetic mechanisms associated with variability in individual responses to topical beta-blockers may advance individualized treatment at a lower cost.

Adrenergic beta1 receptor polymorphism (Ser49Gly) is associated with obesity in type II diabetic patients

In the process of lipolysis, adipocytes are stimulated by catecholamines through beta(1), beta(2), and beta(3) adrenergic receptors (ARs). So far, beta(2) and beta(3) AR polymorphisms have been reported related to obesity. However, the relation of beta(1)AR polymorphisms to obesity has not been evaluated. In the present study, we examined whether betaAR polymorphisms are associated with obesity-related phenotype in type II diabetic patients. Polymorphisms of beta(1)Ser49Gly, beta(1)Arg389Gly, beta(2)Arg16Gly, beta(2)Gln27Glu and beta(3)Trp64Arg were genotyped in 188 type II diabetic patients by PCR-RFLP. Among these polymorphisms, beta(1)Ser49Gly was found to be associated with obesity. Subjects with beta(1)Gly49 allele showed higher body mass index (BMI) than those with Ser49/Ser49 genotype (24.7+/-3.7 vs. 23.4+/-3.3 kg/m(2); p=0.031). Subjects with beta(1)Gly49 allele were more frequently overweight (BMI >or= 25 kg/m(2)) compared with beta(1)Ser49 homozygous group (42.1 vs. 24.4%, p=0.015). By multiple linear regression analysis, beta(1)Ser49Gly polymorphism was independently associated with higher BMI (p=0.019, beta=0.166). Our data indicate that the Gly49 allele in beta(1)AR is associated with higher BMI in type II diabetic patients. Genotyping for beta(1)Ser49Gly polymorphism in type II diabetic patients may have clinical benefit to predict obesity, thereby contributing to the prevention of insulin resistance.

beta(3)-adrenergic receptor polymorphism and metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women

OBJECTIVES

Some studies indicate that the Trp64Arg polymorphism in the gene encoding the beta(3)-adrenergic receptor (ADRB3) is associated with obesity, insulin resistance and earlier onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the frequency of ADRB3 polymorphism and its association with metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women.

METHODS

We performed the study on 284 randomly chosen postmenopausal women, aged 50-60 years, who were then selected to the study. Measurements of anthropometric parameters and biochemical estimations such as lipid profile, glucose and insulin level in serum were carried out using commercial kits. ADRB3 genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction and mini-sequencing.

RESULTS

The frequency of the Trp64/Arg64 genotype in the investigated population was 13%, and of the Trp64/Trp64 genotype, 85%. The Arg64/Arg64 genotype was present in only 2% of women. Metabolic syndrome was recognized in 22% of women bearing Trp64/Arg64 genotype and in 14% of women bearing Trp64/Trp64 genotype, without a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05 in the chi(2) test). Women bearing the Trp64/Arg64 genotype had lower serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) than Trp64/Trp64 genotype women (63.2 +/- 13.0 vs. 71.4 +/- 17.4 mg/dl). Both groups did not differ in any other investigated parameter.

CONCLUSION

Trp64Arg polymorphism of the beta(3)-adrenergic receptor gene is not related to metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal Polish women; however, it seems to be associated with decreased HDL-C levels.

Association of Trp64Arg polymorphism of beta3-adrenergic receptor with insulin resistance in Polish children with obesity

AIM

To establish the influence of the Trp64Arg variant of the beta3-adrenergic receptor (Trp64Arg- beta3AR) on body mass index (BMI) and insulin resistance (IR) in obese children.

METHODS

BMI, presence of the Trp64Arg mutation, plasma glucose and insulin concentrations during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and IR were determined in 60 obese and 33 normal weight children.

RESULTS

The frequency of Trp64Arg was similar in normal weight and obese children. BMI, glucose and insulin concentrations during an OGTT in children with Trp64Argbeta3AR were not different from those with Trp64Trpbeta3AR. IR was confirmed in 42.8% of children with Trp64Argbeta3AR and in 45.6% of children with Trp64Trpbeta3AR (NS).

CONCLUSIONS

1. The similar frequency of the Trp64Argbeta3AR variant in normal weight and obese children suggests that it is not a susceptibility gene for obesity in Polish children. 2. The presence of the Trp64Argbeta3AR variant does not have an unfavourable influence on BMI, glucose or insulin concentrations during OGTT or on IR frequency in Polish obese children.

Effect of the physical activities in leisure time and commuting to work on mental health

Although some evidence suggests that exercise may improve mental health status, information regarding the intensity and duration of exercise is incomplete. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the association between physical activities in both leisure time and commuting to work and mental health. A questionnaire survey was conducted at three municipal offices in Japan. A total of 670 men and women completed the questionnaire. Mental health status was assessed by the 28-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). Respondents were asked about weekly hours of leisure-time exercise for four levels of exercise, and the volume of exercise was assessed using a metabolic equivalent task index. Information about commuting to work on foot or by bicycle was also obtained. The mean GHQ scores were calculated according to physical activity levels using analysis of covariance with adjustment of potential confounders including job stress. In men, the GHQ score decreased steadily with increasing levels of leisure-time exercise, and an inverse association was evident even for mild intensity exercise. Moreover, the GHQ score decreased according to increasing duration of time on commuting to work by either walking or cycling in men, but not in women. These relations did not materially change after adjustment for potential confounding factors. In women, there was no significant association between any of the indices of physical activity. In conclusion, leisure-time exercise and walking or cycling during commuting to work may be associated with better mental health in men.

APOA5 gene variation modulates the effects of dietary fat intake on body mass index and obesity risk in the Framingham Heart Study

Diet is an important environmental factor interacting with our genes to modulate the likelihood of developing lipid disorders and, consequently, cardiovascular disease risk. Our objective was to study whether dietary intake modulates the association between APOA5 gene variation and body weight in a large population-based study. Specifically, we have examined the interaction between the APOA5-1131T>C and 56C>G (S19W) polymorphisms and the macronutrient intake (total fat, carbohydrate, and protein) in their relation to the body mass index (BMI) and obesity risk in 1,073 men and 1,207 women participating in the Framingham Offspring Study. We found a consistent and statistically significant interaction between the -1131T>C single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP; but not the 56C>G) and total fat intake for BMI. This interaction was dose-dependent, and no statistically significant heterogeneity by gender was detected. In subjects homozygous for the -1131T major allele, BMI increased as total fat intake increased. Conversely, this increase was not present in carriers of the -1131C minor allele. Accordingly, we found significant interactions in determining obesity and overweight risks. APOA5-1131C minor allele carriers had a lower obesity risk (OR, 0.61, 95%; CI, 0.39-0.98; P = 0.032) and overweight risk (OR, 0.63, 95%; CI, 0.41-0.96; P = 0.031) compared with TT subjects in the high fat intake group (>or=30% of energy ) but not when fat intake was low (OR, 1.16, 95%; CI, 0.77-1.74; P = 0.47 and OR = 1.15, 95%; CI, 0.77-1.71; P = 0.48) for obesity and overweight, respectively). When specific fatty acid groups were analyzed, monounsaturated fatty acids showed the highest statistical significance for these interactions. In conclusion, the APOA5-1131T>C SNP, which is present in approximately 13% of this population, modulates the effect of fat intake on BMI and obesity risk in both men and women.