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  • Original Article
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Carbohydrates, glycemic index and diabetes mellitus

The lactase −13910C>T polymorphism (rs4988235) is associated with overweight/obesity and obesity-related variables in a population sample of Portuguese young adults

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 71, pages 21–24 (2017)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Background/Objectives:

Several studies reported associations of the lactase gene (LCT) polymorphism −13910C>T (rs4988235) with obesity-related variables and obesity in adults. This study aimed to replicate previously reported associations in a population sample of Portuguese young adults.

Subjects/Methods:

We genotyped 447 subjects from central and northern regions of Portugal (mean age 20.81±4.24 years) for the lactase variant −13910C>T (rs4988235), using TaqMan probes. Anthropometric variables (weight, height and body fat) were measured using standardized procedures and body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2) was calculated.

Results:

Frequency of genotypes was 35.8% CC (lactase nonpersistent, LNP), 48.1% CT and 16.1% TT, consistent with Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (P=1). The frequency for the minor −13910 T allele was 0.402. Assuming a dominance model for the lactase persistence (LP) minor T-allele, linear regression models showed statistically significant associations between the LP genotype CT/TT and BMI, fat mass and weight (β=1.114, P=0.003; β=1.309, P=0.007 and β=2.67, P=0.021, respectively) after adjustment for age and sex. In concordance, logistic regression showed significant association between LP genotype CT/TT and overweight/obesity (OR=1.77; CI 1.08–2.92; P=0.023), as well as with high fat percentage ranges (OR=1.58; CI 1.01–2.46; P=0.041), when adjusting for age and sex. No significant interaction was obtained between the LCT polymorphism and physical activity for BMI (Pint=0.454) or FAT % (Pint=0.421).

Conclusions:

In the Portuguese sample of young adults, the lactase −13910C>T polymorphism revealed significant associations with the obesity-related anthropometric variables BMI, fat mass and weight, and previously observed associations with the obesity risk were also confirmed.

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Acknowledgements

Contract grant sponsor: Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT): UID/ANT/00283/2013.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal

    L Manco, H Dias, M Muc & C Padez

  2. Research Centre for Anthropology and Health (CIAS), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal

    L Manco & C Padez

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  1. L Manco
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  2. H Dias
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Correspondence to L Manco.

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Manco, L., Dias, H., Muc, M. et al. The lactase −13910C>T polymorphism (rs4988235) is associated with overweight/obesity and obesity-related variables in a population sample of Portuguese young adults. Eur J Clin Nutr 71, 21–24 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2016.164

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