engleski

The Interaction of Leptin System Genes and Nutritional Status Biomarkers in Specific Population of Croatian Roma

AIM: To explore the interaction of two leptin system genes and nutritional status biomarkers in Croatian Roma population as an example of the socio-cultural and genetic isolate. METHODS: The associations of 12 polymorphic sites in leptin (LEP) and leptin receptor (LEPR) genes with 20 anthropometric and 25 biochemical indicators (from serum or plasma) of nutritional status have been analyzed in total sample (413 participants) as well as in sex- and region-specific subsamples. The urban and rural subsamples have been matched for age and sex structure. The potential associations have been tested using ANOVA (for original measurements) and chi2 test (for categorical variables constructed using standard cut-offs) while the structure of the relationships has been studied using principal component analysis. RESULTS: The study has shown significant sex and regional differences in the impact of leptin system genes on nutritional biomarkers. Overall, the genetic influences on morphological traits have been more pronounced in men where the LEPR polymorphisms had a major role. The most significant finding is was the association of LEPR1019 polymorphism with body mass index and subscapular skinfold in men. On the other side, LEP loci have shown association with lipid profile and this effect was more pronounced in women. CONCLUSION: Two most important genes of the leptin system - LEP and LEPR - have diverse roles in their impact on the biomarkers of nutritional status: the former being more related to biochemical profile and the later being associated with the quantity and distribution of body fat.

leptin; LEP; LEPR; anthropometry; biomarkers; nutrition; obesity; lipids; minority health; Roma population; anthropology; Croatia

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