Copy Number Variations in Candidate Genes and Intergenic Regions Affect Body Mass Index and Abdominal Obesity in Mexican Children

Biomed Res Int. 2017:2017:2432957. doi: 10.1155/2017/2432957. Epub 2017 Mar 27.

Abstract

Introduction. Increase in body weight is a gradual process that usually begins in childhood and in adolescence as a result of multiple interactions among environmental and genetic factors. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between copy number variants (CNVs) in five genes and four intergenic regions with obesity in Mexican children. Methods. We studied 1423 children aged 6-12 years. Anthropometric measurements and blood levels of biochemical parameters were obtained. Identification of CNVs was performed by real-time PCR. The effect of CNVs on obesity or body composition was assessed using regression models adjusted for age, gender, and family history of obesity. Results. Gains in copy numbers of LEPR and NEGR1 were associated with decreased body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and risk of abdominal obesity, whereas gain in ARHGEF4 and CPXCR1 and the intergenic regions 12q15c, 15q21.1a, and 22q11.21d and losses in INS were associated with increased BMI and WC. Conclusion. Our results indicate a possible contribution of CNVs in LEPR, NEGR1, ARHGEF4, and CPXCR1 and the intergenic regions 12q15c, 15q21.1a, and 22q11.21d to the development of obesity, particularly abdominal obesity in Mexican children.

MeSH terms

  • Body Composition / genetics
  • Body Mass Index
  • Body Weight / genetics
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal / genetics*
  • Child
  • DNA Copy Number Variations / genetics
  • DNA, Intergenic / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • Female
  • GPI-Linked Proteins / genetics
  • Genetic Association Studies
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mexico
  • Obesity, Abdominal / genetics*
  • Obesity, Abdominal / physiopathology
  • Receptors, Leptin / genetics*
  • Rho Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors / genetics
  • Waist Circumference / genetics

Substances

  • ARHGEF4 protein, human
  • CPXCR1 protein, human
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal
  • DNA, Intergenic
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • GPI-Linked Proteins
  • LEPR protein, human
  • NEGR1 protein, human
  • Receptors, Leptin
  • Rho Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors