Association of a Sequence Variation in the Gene Encoding Adiponectin Receptor 1 (ADIPOR1) with Body Mass Index in the Japanese Population

Background: Adiponectin is a circulating peptide present in adipose tissue. It mediates its insulin-sensitizing and anti-atherogenic effects on target tissues via 2 receptors—adiponectin receptors 1 and 2 (ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2). Recent studies have reported that ADIPOR1 deficiency in mice results in increased body weight and obesity. In the present study, we examined the association between a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the 5´ flanking region of the ADIPOR1 gene and body mass index (BMI) in the Japanese population.Methods: Association of an SNP (rs4989513) with the BMI was examined in 774 postmenopausal Japanese women.Results: Rs4989513 SNP was significantly associated with the BMI (P = 0.0412).Conclusion: Genetic variation at the ADIPOR1 gene locus is associated with BMI, suggesting that the ADIPOR1 gene is involved in the development of obesity.