| Summary: | Appetite regulation has been recognized as a promising target for the prevention of obesity, which has become a worldwide health issue. Polymorphisms in the genes of hormones or receptors including Leu72Met for <i>ghrelin</i> and Gln223Arg for the <i>leptin receptor</i> could play a role in dietary intake, hunger, and satiety process. The aim of this study was to analyze subjective appetite assessments, dietary intake, and appetite hormones in relationship to these polymorphisms. Subjects (<i>n</i> = 132) with normal BMIs were enrolled. Dietary intake was analyzed with 3-day diet records. Subjective appetite was measured by visual analogue scales. Biochemical parameters were measured after 12 h of fasting and 120′ following ingestion of a test meal. Ghrelin and leptin levels were measured by ELISA assay (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and insulin by chemiluminescence assay. The polymorphisms were determined by allelic discrimination using TaqMan<sup>®</sup> probes. Fasting ghrelin levels differed significantly between men and women. The consumption of fruit and bread/starch with added sugar servings, as indicated by dietary records, and measured ghrelin levels were higher in carriers of Leu72Met/Met72Met compared to Leu72Leu carriers; total sugar intake was higher in Gln223Gln carriers than in Gln223Arg/Arg223Arg carriers. In conclusion, the Leu72Met and Gln223Arg polymorphism in <i>ghrelin</i> and <i>LEPR</i> may contribute to differential responses to a standardized meal as evidenced by higher postprandial levels of ghrelin and may also contribute to a higher dietary sugar intake.
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