Association Study of the -866 G/A UCP2 Gene Polymorphism with Obesity in a Valledupar Population

Obesity is a multifactorial disease that is related to lifestyles, and environmental and genetic factors. One of the candidate genes for obesity is the UCP2. Its polymorphism -866G/A was associated with obesity in some populations. However, conflicting results have been reported around the world, indicating the need for further investigations. Objective: To analyze the poly-morphism -866G/A UCP2 gene associated with obesity in adults in the city of Valledupar. Ma-terials and methods: We studied 103 overweight or obese individuals and 100 normal weight. The polymorphism of UCP2 -866G/A was determined by PCR-RFLP. Anthropometric measures were also evaluated, lipoprotein profile and fasting glucose. Results: We found that the mutated allele and homozygous genotype were significantly more frequent in patients with BMI > 25 kg/m2. [A: OR = 2.9 (95% CI= 1,765 to 4,751 ) and AA: OR= 5.8 (95% CI = 1,264 to 2,745)]. No significant differences were found between UCP2 -866G/A and the clinical variables studied in obese individuals. However it is observed that subjects with mutated alleles and genotypes had higher triglycerides, glucose and ICC and lower average HDL cholesterol. Conclusions: mutation -866G/A UCP2 gene is associated with obesity in the population studied, and although it seems to influence the anthropometric and biochemical measures in obese subjects could be related to increased ICC, glucose and triglycerides and decreased HDL.