Associations between MC4R gene variants, food intake, and body composition in a heterogenic population

Abstract:

Obesity is a medical condition associated with increased body mass index (BMI) and adipose tissue resulting from a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors. The genes responsible for obesity are related to the leptin axis and the melanocortin pathway, specifically the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) gene. MC4R gene mutations represent the most common monogenic cause of obesity. Our study aimed to investigate the links between MC4R gene variants, calorie intake, and body composition, potentially leading to obesity. Using targeted sequencing, genomic DNA (gDNA) isolated from buccal cells was used to genotype fifty subjects for common MC4R polymorphisms. Subsequently, their anthropometric measurements, daily macronutrient intake, and other pertinent factors were evaluated. According to our findings, MC4R variants were detected in 36% of the participants. The percentage of genotype carriers with higher frequencies was rs34114122 (16%), rs6567166 (14%), and rs61741819 (10%), with higher frequencies in the African-American population. The study found a strong association between calorie intake and the rs34114122 variant (p=0.0002) but not for the other variants, rs6567166 (p=0.130) and rs61741819 (p=0.374). For female participants, higher calorie intake was a significant factor (p=0.03) for those with MC4R variants compared to the control group (no MC4R variants). No significant associations were found between MC4R variants and body composition measures. According to our research, the influence of common MC4R variants on obesity and its metabolic disorders might be contingent upon daily dietary intake. Consequently, this could pave the way for individualized dietary regimes to prevent and address obesity and its related comorbidities.

Audience take away notes

• Learn about MC4R variants and their association with obesity
• Understand the impact of an individual’s genetic makeup on food intake
• Learn why screening for obesity-related genetic variants is crucial in predicting predisposition to obesity

Biography:

Dr. Silva earned a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and is board-certified in Molecular Technology by the American Society for Clinical Pathology. She is currently an Associate Professor in the Ph.D. program in Applied Health Sciences at the School of Public Health, Augusta University. Dr. Silva also holds a doctoral degree in Education with a focus on educational innovation. Her research focuses on genetic biomarkers, particularly monogenetic variants associated with severe obesity that impact food intake and circulating microRNAs that predict drug resistance in patients with Multiple Myeloma. Dr. Silva has made significant contributions to science by publishing over 30 research articles in peer-reviewed journals. Her dedication to teaching and learning is reflected in her commitment to advising students to foster critical thinking skills and a lifelong love of learning.