Assessing MC4R Gene Variants and Body Composition in a Heterogenic Population

Background

Obesity is a medical condition assessed by 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.

Objective

Our study aimed to investigate whether mutations in the MC4R gene increase calorie intake, possibly leading to obesity.

Study Design, Settings, Participants

We genotyped fifty subjects for common MC4R polymorphisms and subsequently evaluated their anthropometric measurements, daily macronutrient intake, and other pertinent factors.

Results

According to our findings, the percentage of genotype carriers (rs34114122, rs61741819, and rs6567166) was higher in the African-American population. In comparison to their Caucasian counterparts, this particular demographic exhibited elevated body fat percentage, body volume, and body density. Conversely, their fat-free mass was observed to be comparatively lower. Furthermore, the African-American population presented with lower thoracic gas. We observed that individuals carrying the genotypes rs34114122, rs61741819, and rs6567166 tended to have higher body fat percentages associated with increased calorie intake.

Conclusions

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.

Funding

None