Promoter Methylation of LEP and LEPR before and after Bariatric Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: DNA methylation constitutes one important epigenetic mechanism that regulates gene expression in human cells. With regard to obesity, bariatric surgery-induced weight loss has been associated with promoter methylation changes in several genes. Hyperleptinemia is a characteristic featur...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Obesity facts 2021-03, Vol.14 (1), p.93-99
Main Authors: Wilhelm, Julia, Birkenstock, Anna, Buchholz, Vanessa, Müller, Astrid, Aly, Sherif Adel, Gruner-Labitzke, Kerstin, Koehler, Hinrich, Lichtinghagen, Ralf, Jahn, Kirsten, Groh, Adrian, Kahl, Kai G., de Zwaan, Martina, Hillemacher, Thomas, Bleich, Stefan, Frieling, Helge
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Age
bariatric surgery
Body mass index
Cross-sectional studies
Deoxyribonucleic acid
Diabetes
DNA
DNA methylation
Epigenetics
Gastrointestinal surgery
Gene expression
Investigations
lep promoter methylation
lepr promoter methylation
leptin
Obesity
Research Article
Software
Weight control
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Summary:Introduction: DNA methylation constitutes one important epigenetic mechanism that regulates gene expression in human cells. With regard to obesity, bariatric surgery-induced weight loss has been associated with promoter methylation changes in several genes. Hyperleptinemia is a characteristic feature of obesity. The underlying regulating mechanisms have not yet been completely elucidated. Methods: We investigated the methylation of the promoters of the leptin gene (LEP) and the leptin receptor gene (LEPR) as well as leptin expression in pre- and postbariatric surgery patients using a comparative cross-sectional design. Results: Our results revealed significantly higher LEP promoter methylation patterns in prebariatric surgery patients compared to postoperatively. DNA methylation of the LEPR promoter was significantly higher in the postoperative group. Moreover, we found significantly higher leptin serum levels in patients before the bariatric surgery than afterwards. Discussion: These findings strengthen the suggestion that there is an association between LEP expression and LEP methylation in obesity. We suggest that the epigenetic profile of LEP might be influenced by leptin serum levels in the form of a regulating feedback mechanism.
ISSN:1662-4025
1662-4033
DOI:10.1159/000511918