Genetic variants in ghrelin (rs27647, rs696217) and leptin (rs7799039) are not associated with body composition parameters but are related to appetitive traits in Mexican young adults

• Published in: Gene reports 2024-12, Vol.37, p.102071, Article 102071
• Main Authors: Espinoza García, Astrid S., Díaz Chávez, Rosa L., Valdés Miramontes, Elia H., Parra Rojas, Isela, Reyes Castillo, Zyanya
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Appetitive traits; Food approach; Food avoidance; Genetic variants; Ghrelin; Leptin
• ISSN: 2452-0144; 2452-0144
• DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2024.102071

Obesity develops as a result of the interplay between obesogenic environment and the individual's eating behaviors. Genetic variants in genes coding for neuropeptides involved in metabolic regulation, such as ghrelin (GHRL) and leptin (LEP) have been associated to development of obesity and its role on appetite regulation has also been suggested. The purpose of this exploratory study was to evaluate the association of genetic variants at GHRL (rs27647, rs696217) and LEP (rs7799039) with body composition parameters as well as food approach and food avoidance appetitive traits in young adults from western Mexico. 255 young adults were included. Body composition parameters were measured by bioelectrical bioimpedance, and appetitive traits were assessed via Adult Eating Behavior Questionnaire (AEBQ). Genotyping of rs27647, rs696217 and rs7799039 variants was performed using PCR-RFLP techniques. Median age for both sexes were 20 (19–21) years, mean body fat percentage was 36.1 ± 7.8 for women, and for men 23.7 ± 7.4. The evaluated genetic variants were not associated to body composition parameters, however GG genotype of the rs696217 variant in GHRL was associated to higher scores on food approach appetitive traits (enjoyment of food p