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Nutrient Intake, Weight, and Leu7Pro Polymorphism in Prepro-Neuropeptide Y in Children

Department of Neurology (M.K.K.) and Cardiovascular Research Unit (S.R.), and Departments of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology (M.K., U.P.), Pediatrics (H.N., L.R.-N., O.S.), and Medicine (T.R.), University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland

Address all correspondence and requests for reprints to: Matti Karvonen, M.D., Ph.D., Kiinamyllynkatu 4-8, 20520 Turku, Finland. E-mail: matti.karvonen{at}tyks.fi.

Context: The important role of neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the regulation of food intake and energy balance has been firmly documented in rodents, but human data are sparse. The recently identified functional Leu7Pro polymorphism in the signal peptide region of the prepro-NPY is a useful tool for the investigation of the role of NPY in men. Pro7 substitution has been associated with the following: plasma NPY concentration, the risk factors of cardiovascular disease, birth weight of children, serum triglyceride concentration, and the function of vascular endothelium.

Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the connection between Leu7Pro polymorphism and relative weight, nutrient intakes, and serum lipids in early childhood. We closely followed 647 healthy Finnish children participating in the Special Turku Risk Factor Intervention Project through their first 9 yr of life.

Results: Leu7Pro polymorphism showed no relation to intakes of energy, macronutrients, or the relative weight in either gender. However, Pro7 substitution was associated with serum triglyceride concentration in boys at the ages of 5, 7, and 9 yr.

Conclusion: The functional Leu7Pro polymorphism is not likely to be involved in the regulation of adiposity or major nutrient preferences in childhood. In boys, the Pro7 variant may have impact on serum triglyceride concentration.

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