The Impact of Mothers’ LEPR rs1137101 Gene Polymorphisms on Neonatal Obesity Risk

Introduction: LEPR rs1137101 (Gln223Arg) gene polymorphism is one of the most frequent polymorphisms associated with obesity. Therefore, it is important to assess these genetic factors, anthropometric parameters and bioimpedance results in order to evaluate the nutritional status.

The aim of this study was to establish the role of mothers’ LEPR rs1137101 gene polymorphisms on newborns’ parameters, especially birth weight, and therefore establishing the impact on the neonatal obesity risk.

Material and methods: We performed a cross-sectional study on 215 mothers-newborns couples in a Tertiary Hospital from Romania. Both mothers and newborns were assessed anthropometrically, clinically and regarding the LEPR rs1137101 gene polymorphisms.

Results: We noticed that the mothers’ LEPR rs1137101 gene polymorphisms influenced the newborns’ weight (p=0.0078) and BMI (p=0.004). Also, newborns that carry AG+GG genotype whose mothers had AA genotype, presented higher birth weight and BMI (p=0.0054, p = 0.038) in comparison with those carrying AA genotype. In newborns and mothers that carry the variant allele, an interaction between LEPR rs1137101 gene polymorphisms and MUAC was encountered (p=0.078). In addition, newborns carrying AG+GG genotype of LEPR rs1137101 gene whose mothers had an increased FMI (fat mass index), presented a significantly higher BMI ((p=0.0028).

Conclusions: The LEPR rs1137101 gene polymorphisms have a significant influence on newborns’ birth weight and BMI depending on the presence or absence of variant allele in mothers. Maternal FMI presented a significant positive effect on newborns’ BMI.

We can conclude that mothers’ LEPR rs1137101 gene polymorphisms present an impact on newborns’ birth weight and BMI, therefore being involved in the newborns’ risk for developing obesity.

This research was partially supported by the Collective Research Grants of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Tîrgu Mureş, Romania (“The role of mother’s genetic determinism in child’s obesity correlated with bioimpedance and anthropometric parameters” no.275/4/11.01.2017)