[Association between TNF-alpha promoter G-308A and G-238A polymorphisms and obesity in Tehran lipid glucose study population]

ABSTRACT

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha] is expressed primarily in adipocytes and elevated levels of this cytokine have been linked to obesity and insulin resistance. Therefore, we examined the relationship between the G-308A and G-238A polymorphisms of TNF-alpha gene promoter variants and obesity in an Iranian population. Subjects of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study classified into two age groups under and above 18. Adults classified in three groups according to their body mass index and less than 18 years old subjects classified in two groups [under 85th percentile for their age and sex and above 85th percentile]. 244 persons were selected to examine -308 site and 239 persons were selected to examine -238 site. The mentioned polymorphisms were examined with PCR and RFLP methods. The allele frequency of TNF-alpha polymorphism was in the Hardy Weinberg equilibrium and there was no relation between BMI and the frequency of this allele. No association between G-308A and G-238A TNF-alpha promoter polymorphisms and obesity could probably indicate that it is not an important risk factor for obesity and consequently for cardiovascular disease