Neuropeptide Y gene polymorphisms are not associated with obesity in a South Indian population.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Neuropeptide Y (NPY) gene has been shown to have a critical role in the regulation of satiety, reproduction, central endocrine and cardiovascular systems. Among the primary functions associated with NPY are its acute effects on feeding behavior and energy expenditure. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between obesity and NPY gene polymorphisms in a South Indian Population.

SUBJECTS/METHODS: Three polymorphisms in NPY gene (Leu7Pro, Ser50Ser and A7735G) were analyzed in 263 individuals of an endogamous Kota population. On the basis of body mass index (BMI), they were divided into two groups. Associations were tested using logistic regression and haplotype analyses and linkage disequilibrium (LD).

RESULTS

There was no evidence of deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Logistic regression analysis did not reveal significant association with obesity and NPY single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the present study. All three SNPs were in weak LD with low r (2) values. Haplotype analysis also did not yield significant association between NPY gene and obesity (global P=0.756).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study did not validate the association between previously implicated SNPs in NPY gene and obesity in an Indian population. Population-specific validation of putative associations has far reaching implications for the future personal genomics medicine applications.