This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Submit a related Letter to the Editor Purchase Article View Shopping Cart Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Request Copyright Permission Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Meirhaeghe, A. Articles by Wareham, N. J. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Meirhaeghe, A. Articles by Wareham, N. J. Pubmed/NCBI databases Gene GEO Profiles HomoloGene OMIM UniGene Compound via MeSH Substance via MeSH Hazardous Substances DB GLUCOSE

The Effect of the Gly16Arg Polymorphism of the ß₂-Adrenergic Receptor Gene on Plasma Free Fatty Acid Levels Is Modulated by Physical Activity

Departments of Medicine (A.M., S.O.), Clinical Biochemistry (A.M., D.H., S.O.), and Public Health and Primary Care (J.L., P.S.-F., S.H., J.M., N.J.W.), University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 2SR, United Kingdom

Address all correspondence and requests for reprints to: Dr. Nicholas J. Wareham, Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 2SR, United Kingdom.

Abstract

The lipolytic effects of catecholamines are mediated through members of the ß₂-adrenergic receptor (BAR-2) family. Previous studies have suggested that genetic variants in the BAR-2 gene may be associated with obesity in some populations. To our knowledge, no studies have directly examined the effects of this polymorphism on circulating nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) levels. To explore this issue further, a cohort of 604 Caucasian individuals (aged 40–65 yr) was genotyped for a common polymorphism in the BAR-2 gene (Gly16Arg), and the relationships between genotype, body mass index (BMI), NEFA, and lipid levels were examined. Women bearing the Arg16 allele had higher BMI values (P < 0.01) than Gly16Gly women. Women carriers of the Arg16Arg genotype had lower fasting plasma NEFAs (P < 0.01) and greater suppression of NEFAs (P < 0.01) after an oral glucose load than women bearing the Gly16 allele. In multivariate analysis after adjustment for age, sex, and smoking status, the interaction between the BAR-2 genotype and BMI in determining fasting NEFA concentrations was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The availability of objective measures of total energy expenditure in this population permitted the further examination of interactions, particularly that between genotype and physical activity. In the population as a whole, after adjustment for confounding by age, smoking, and BMI, the effect of the Arg16Arg genotype on the suppression of NEFA levels was modified by physical activity level (P for interaction <0.05). These data suggest the existence in this population of a gene-physical activity interaction on NEFA levels.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				M. Tomaszewski, F. J. Charchar, B. Lacka, U. Pesonen, W. Y.S. Wang, E. Zukowska-Szczechowska, W. Grzeszczak, and A. F. Dominiczak Epistatic Interaction Between {beta}2-Adrenergic Receptor and Neuropeptide Y Genes Influences LDL-Cholesterol in Hypertension Hypertension, November 1, 2004; 44(5): 689 - 694. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. Dallongeville, N. Helbecque, D. Cottel, P. Amouyel, and A. Meirhaeghe The Gly16->Arg16 and Gln27->Glu27 Polymorphisms of {beta}2-Adrenergic Receptor Are Associated with Metabolic Syndrome in Men J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., October 1, 2003; 88(10): 4862 - 4866. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				A. C. Pereira, M. S. Floriano, G. F.A. Mota, R. S. Cunha, F. L. Herkenhoff, J. G. Mill, and J. E. Krieger {beta}2 Adrenoceptor Functional Gene Variants, Obesity, and Blood Pressure Level Interactions in the General Population Hypertension, October 1, 2003; 42(4): 685 - 692. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. A. Martinez, M. S. Corbalan, A. Sanchez-Villegas, L. Forga, A. Marti, and M. A. Martinez-Gonzalez Obesity Risk Is Associated with Carbohydrate Intake in Women Carrying the Gln27Glu {beta}2-Adrenoceptor Polymorphism J. Nutr., August 1, 2003; 133(8): 2549 - 2554. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]