Role of -675 4G/5G in the Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 Gene and -308G/A Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Gene Polymorphisms in Obese Argentinean Patients

Abstract

Aim: Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) are increased in the circulation of obese persons. Because a direct link between PAI-1 and TNF-α in obesity has been observed, they are candidate genes for the development of obesity. We sought to evaluate the relation between the genotypic and allelic frequencies of the -675 4G/5G PAI-1 and -308 G/A TNF-α polymorphisms and their association with the risk for obesity in an Argentinean population. Methods: A group of 110 consecutive obese persons and a group of 111 lean controls were recruited. Polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the frequency of PAI-1 and TNF-α polymorphisms; serum fasting glucose, insulin, and lipid levels were measured by standard methods. Insulin sensitivity was evaluated by using homeostasis model assessment. Results: The -308 TNF-α and -675 4G/5G PAI-1 genotype distribution did not significantly differ between the groups (p=0.544 and p=0.327, respectively). Homeostasis model assessment was the only positive independent determinant of body mass index (R²=0.493; p<0.001). Conclusion: The -675 4G/5G PAI-1 and the -308 TNF-α polymorphism variants tested in this study, individually or combined, were not associated with obesity in an Argentinean population.