Promoter polymorphism in the macrophage migration inhibitory factor gene is associated with obesity.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To explore the association of promoter polymorphisms of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) gene with obesity.

SUBJECTS:

In total, 213 nondiabetic Japanese subjects. They were divided into three groups according to World Health Organization definitions: lean (body mass index (BMI) <25 kg/m2), overweight (25 < or = BMI < 30 kg/m2) and obese (BMI> or = 30 kg/m2).

METHODS:

We examined two polymorphic loci in the MIF gene in the subjects: a single-nucleotide polymorphism at position -173 (G/C) and a CATT-tetranucleotide repeat polymorphism at position -794, which both can affect promoter activity in different cells.

RESULTS:

We detected four alleles: 5-, 6-, 7- and 8-CATT at position -794. Genotypes without the 5-CATT allele (X/X, X refers to 6-, 7- or 8-CATT alleles) were more common in obese subjects than in lean or overweight groups (P = 0.013). The X-CATT allele was more frequent in obese subjects than in lean or overweight subjects (P = 0.030). In contrast, -173G/C was not associated with obesity. Among the haplotypes of the two promoter polymorphisms, G/5-CATT ((-173G/C)/(-794[CATT](5-8))) was associated with a decreased risk of obesity (P = 0.025) and G/6-CATT with an increased risk of overweight (P=0.028).

CONCLUSION:

Promoter polymorphism in the MIF gene is linked with obesity.

• Authors: S Sakaue, S Ishimaru, N Hizawa, Y Ohtsuka, I Tsujino, T Honda, J Suzuki, Y Kawakami, J Nishihira, M Nishimura
• Journal: International journal of obesity (2005) (Int J Obes (Lond)) Vol. 30 Issue 2 Pg. 238-42 (Feb 2006) ISSN: 0307-0565 [Print] England
• PMID: 16247506 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors

Topics

• Adult
• Case-Control Studies
• Female
• Gene Frequency
• Genetic Predisposition to Disease
• Haplotypes
• Humans
• Japan
• Logistic Models
• Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors (genetics)
• Male
• Obesity (genetics)
• Polymorphism, Genetic
• Promoter Regions, Genetic (genetics)