Background: Previous studies have suggested that genetic variation in the beta2 (b2-AR) and beta3 (b3-AR) adrenergic receptor genes are associated with obesity and insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of beta2 (Gln27>Glu) and beta3 (Trp64>Arg) adrenoreceptor gene polymorphisms on BMI and carbohydrate-lipid metabolism in Polish obese families.
Material/methods: 122 persons (84 women, 38 men) from 40 obese families (BMI 33.5I7.7) were included. PCR-RFLP analysis of genotype was plotted against anthropometric parameters and the results of glucose and lipid oral tolerance tests. Venous blood samples were analysed for concentrations of glucose, insulin, free fatty acids, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-chol, LDL-chol, leptin, and vWF.
Results: We found 39% Glu27 with 8% Arg64 allele frequencies. The blood glucose and insulin concentration during OGTT and blood FFA and TG level during OLTT was lower in patients with the Glu/Glu b2-AR polymorphism than Glu/Gln and Gln/Gln. In the obese patients the same effect was observed; however, the percent of fat body mass, leptin concentration, and BMI was higher in this group. Patients with the Trp/Trp polymorphism in the b3-AR gene were characterized by higher glucose and insulin concentration during OGTT and higher blood concentration of FFA and TG during OLTT. These results were independent of BMI value.
Conclusions: The b2-AR 27Glu and b3-AR 64Arg alleles have a protective effect against metabolic disorders in obese families from southern Poland.