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Genetics and Epigenetics

Combination of ACTN3 R577X and ACE I/D polymorphisms as a tool for prediction of obesity risk in children

International Journal of Obesity volume 45, pages 337–341 (2021)Cite this article

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Abstract

The genetic influence in obesity prevalence is well described, but the role of genetic markers related to athletic strength/ endurance performance remains controversial. We investigated associations between obesity and the genetic polymorphisms alpha-actinin-3 (ACTN3) R577X and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) I/D in schoolchildren aged 4–13 years from Southern Brazil. We collected sociodemographic data from parents through a questionnaire and conducted an anthropometric assessment. DNA was extracted from buccal cells and genotyping was performed by PCR. We found that 1.9% of the individuals were classified as low weight-for-age, 57.6% as normal weight and 40.5% as overweight/ obesity. Regarding allelic distribution, we found that 52.5% of individuals were DD, 30.8% ID, and 16.7% II for ACE; and 38.8% of individuals were RR, 40.2% RX and 21.0% XX for ACTN3. When both polymorphisms were combined, we observed a clear association between the composed genetic profile of these alleles and severe obesity in schoolchildren. Our data suggest that the combined analysis of ACTN3 R577X and ACE I/D polymorphisms may serve as a predictor for the risk of severe obesity in children. These data can contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between these polymorphisms and the body weight development of school-age children.

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Acknowledgements

This research was partially supported by CAPES, FAPERGS, and CNPq.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Nutrition Faculty, Federal University of Pelotas -UFPel, Pelotas, RS, Brazil

    Patrícia Britto Costa, Guilherme R. F. Cardozo, Monica Schiavon da Costa, Sandra Costa Valle, Renata Torres Abib Bertacco, Simone Pieniz, Augusto Schneider & Carlos Castilho Barros

  2. Medical Faculty, Federal University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil

    Laura C. Aranalde & Ines Schadock

  3. Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul- UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil

    Poliana E. Correia

  4. Technological Development Center, Federal University of Pelotas -UFPel, Pelotas, RS, Brazil

    Evelise Sampaio da Silva & Carlos Castilho Barros

  5. Biophysics Department, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

    Ronaldo Carvalho Araujo

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  1. Patrícia Britto Costa
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  2. Laura C. Aranalde
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  3. Poliana E. Correia
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  13. Carlos Castilho Barros
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Correspondence to Carlos Castilho Barros.

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Costa, P.B., Aranalde, L.C., Correia, P.E. et al. Combination of ACTN3 R577X and ACE I/D polymorphisms as a tool for prediction of obesity risk in children. Int J Obes 45, 337–341 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41366-020-00668-3

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