Association of MC4R (rs17782313) gene polymorphism with obesity measures in Western India.

Abstract Background and aims The association of melanocortin receptor 4 (MC4R) gene with adiposity measures is widely studied in European populations. Only six studies have investigated the role of MC4R gene with adiposity measures among Indian populations. We have evaluated the role of MC4R (rs17782313) gene polymorphism in influencing adiposity measures in India among children and adults. Materials and methods The present population based cross sectional study was conducted among 303 individuals (208 children and 95 adults) of age group 10–30 years, belonging to Rajasthan. Somatometric measurements (standing height, weight, and waist and hip girths) and blood samples were taken after obtaining written informed consent. Genotyping of MC4R rs17782313 single nucleotide polymorphism was done using restriction fragment length polymorphism method for polymerase chain reaction amplified fragments. We examined association between rs17782313 and different adiposity measures (height, weight, BMI, WHR, and waist and hip girths) using linear regression models. Results The MC4R variant (rs17782313) predicted increased body weight (0.15 kg, S.E ± 0.076, P = 0.043) among children. In combined population, the rs17782313 variant was moderately associated with body weight (0.13 kg, S.E ± 0.070, P = 0.057). This variant was not found to be associated with any other adiposity measure. Conclusion Further studies are needed to evaluate the association of MC4R variants through sequencing and functional genomics with different adiposity measures in Indian populations for understanding the genetic underpinnings of adiposity in India.