Adrenoceptor Beta 3 (Adrb3) Gene Variants and Childhood Obesity

Abstract

Background: Childhood obesity is becoming very common worldwide and similar trends are being seen in Ghana. Various researches have shown that several genes are linked to obesity. Several genes including adrenoceptor beta 3 (ADRB3) gene have been implicated. ADRB3, is mainly expressed in adipose tissue, and contributes to variations in energy expenditure and body fat distribution. Polymorphisms of the ADRB3 have been suggested to participate in the pathogenesis of obesity. There is no information on the association between ADRB3 genotype polymorphisms and obesity in children in Ghana. Aim: This study was aimed at investigating the role of ADRB3 gene variants in obesity in children in Ghana. Methods: Sixty eight boys and girls selected from two primary schools, St Mark Basic School (Atomic) and GAEC Basic School (Atomic), were used in the study. A food frequency questionnaire was used to assess dietary patterns. Buccal rinse samples were collected from the children after assessment of waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), weight, height and body mass index (BMI) calculated. DNA was extracted from the buccal rinse samples and ADRB3 gene variants analyzed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. Correlations between ADRB3 gene variants and obesity in the children were determined. Results: A total of 68 subjects, 39 cases (obese) and 29 controls (non-obese), were recruited for the study. There were more females (55.9%) compared to males (44.1%). The average age for the cases was 11.92 ±1.69 years and that of the controls was 13.17 ± 1.77 years. BMI values of the children were statistically significant different (all ps˂ 0.0001) between cases and the controls for both males and females. WHR measurements between cases and controls for female children were also statistically significant (p = 0.0039). Amplification was successful in 58 children (35 cases and 23 controls). A significant difference emerged for the ADRB3 gene Try64Arg genotype polymorphism frequencies between the cases and the controls (p = 0.0377, OR = 0.1471, 95% CI = 0.02666 to 0.8113). No significant differences (all ps > 0.05) emerged between the ADRB3 gene Try64Arg genotype polymorphism frequencies and BMI and WHR. More males consume fruits and vegetables daily compared to females. Females compared to their male counterparts frequently consume sweet drinks, fatty meat and fast foods. Conclusions: No relationships were observed between ADRB3 genotype polymorphisms and obesity among the school children.