Association between polymorphisms in the TRHR gene, fat-free mass, and muscle strength in older women

Age (Dordr). 2013 Dec;35(6):2477-83. doi: 10.1007/s11357-013-9526-y. Epub 2013 Apr 2.

Abstract

A previous genome-wide association study suggested that polymorphisms in the thyrotrophin-releasing hormone receptor (TRHR) gene contribute to fat-free mass (FFM) variation. The aim of the present study was to examine the association between polymorphisms in the TRHR gene with FFM and muscle strength in older women. Volunteers (n = 241; age = 66.65 ± 5.5 years) underwent quadriceps strength assessment using isokinetics and fat-free mass by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. TRHR polymorphisms and ancestry-informative markers were genotyped through standard procedures. No significant difference was observed for rs7832552. Regarding the rs16892496, ANCOVA revealed that appendicular fat-free mass (AFFM) and relative AFFM were significantly different between groups (p = 0.04 and p = 0.05, respectively). Individuals carrying A/A and A/C genotypes respectively showed, on average, an extra 1 kg and 900 g of AFFM when compared to C/C genotype carriers. Also, the C/C genotype group presented a significantly higher chance to have reduced muscle strength. The observations presented here provide further evidence that the rs16892496 polymorphism in the TRHR gene may play a role in FFM variation. Moreover, the results bring the novel insight that this genetic variant can present a modest contribution to muscle strength in older women.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Absorptiometry, Photon
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / genetics*
  • Body Composition
  • DNA / genetics
  • Female
  • Genome-Wide Association Study
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle Contraction / physiology*
  • Muscle Strength / physiology*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / anatomy & histology*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology*
  • Phenotype
  • Polymorphism, Genetic*
  • Receptors, Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone / genetics*
  • Receptors, Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone / metabolism

Substances

  • Receptors, Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone
  • DNA