Are endocannabinoid type 1 receptor gene (CNR1) polymorphisms associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal Polish women?

Abstract

Objective:

The aim of this study was to determine whether genetic variation at the cannabinoid receptor-1 (CNR1) locus could have an effect on adiposity, fat distribution and obesity-related metabolic disorders in Polish postmenopausal women.Design and Subjects: The A3813G, G1422A and A4895G single nucleotide polymorphisms of CNR1 were genotyped in 348 randomly selected postmenopausal women aged 50-60 years recruited from the Wroclaw city population. Measurements: CNR1 genotypes, anthropometric measures (BMI, WC, body fat distribution by DEXA) and metabolic parameters (glucose, lipid profile, insulin FIRI) were determined.

Results:

The 3813G allele was not significantly associated with higher body mass, BMI, WC, total fat, or fat percentage, but was associated with higher android fat deposit (2971.78 &177; 1655.08 &177; 2472.64 &177; 1300.53, p = 0.007) and percentage of android fat (37.59 &177; 8.45 vs. 35.66 &177; 7.63, p = 0.062). The 1422A allele was associated with higher total fat (31587.72 &177; 9161.28 g vs. 26078.26 &177; 7552.14 g, p = 0.019), fat percentage (40.51 &177; 5.66% vs. 37.51 &177; 4.99%, p = 0.052), and percentage of android fat (40.86 &177; 9.73% vs. 36.09 &177; 7.70%, p = 0.047). No associations were observed for the A4895G variant.

Conclusions:

There is an association of variants of CNR1 with obesity-related phenotypes in Polish postmenopausal women. As CB1 is a drug target for obesity, pharmacogenetic receptor gene analysis of obesity treatment by endocannabinoid blockade may be of interest to identify the best responders.