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IGF2 genotype and obesity in men and women across the adult age span

Abstract

We studied a previously reported association between the IGF2 gene's ApaI polymorphism and obesity in 500 healthy men and women (19–90 y). We hypothesized that individuals homozygous for the IGF2 A allele (A/A) would exhibit lower body mass, BMI and DEXA-measured fat mass compared to G/G homozygotes. Subjects were categorized as exhibiting the G/G (n=241), G/A (n=197) or A/A (n=62) genotype. Contrary to our hypothesis, no difference was observed in body mass, body mass index (BMI) or fat mass between the G/G and A/A genotype groups in the entire cohort. Surprisingly, Caucasian A/A individuals (n=427) exhibited significantly higher fat mass compared to Caucasian G/G individuals (P<0.05). In summary, individuals homozygous for the IGF2 G allele do not exhibit higher body mass, BMI or fat mass compared to A/A individuals; however, Caucasians with the A/A genotype exhibit higher fat mass than G/G individuals.

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Acknowledgements

This research was conducted as part of the BLSA, a component of the NIA Intramural Research Program. Further support was provided by AG-16205 (BFH), AG-05893 (SMR) and DK-46204 (REF).

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Correspondence to SM Roth.

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The results reported here have been presented in abstract form for the 2001 Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine.

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Roth, S., Schrager, M., Metter, E. et al. IGF2 genotype and obesity in men and women across the adult age span. Int J Obes 26, 585–587 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0801927

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