ARS | Publication request: Linkage analysis of circulating levels of adiponectin in Hispanic children

Submitted to: Obesity
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: May 15, 2005
Publication Date: September 4, 2005
Citation: Tejero, M.E., Cai, G., Goring, H., Diego, V., Cole, S., Butte, N., Comuzzie, A. 2005. Linkage analysis of circulating levels of adiponectin in Hispanic children [abstract]. Obesity. 13:A37.

Technical Abstract: Adiponectin is produced exclusively by adipose tissue and is inversely associated with insulin resistance and pro-inflammatory conditions. The aim of this study was to conduct a genome scan of circulating levels of adiponectin in Hispanic children. The present study included extended families with at least one overweight child between 4 to 19 years old. Overweight was defined as BMI > 95th percentile. Fasting blood was collected from 466 children from 127 families. Fasting serum adiponectin was assayed by RIA technique. A genome-wide scan was conducted using serum adiponectin as a quantitative phenotype. The highest LOD score (4.2) was found on chromosome 11q23.2-11q24.2, and a second significant signal (LOD score = 3.0) was found on chromosome 8q12.1-8q21.3. In addition, a suggestive linkage signal was found between 18q21.3-18q22.3. The LOD score on chromosome 11 remained unchanged after adjustment for BMI-Z score and dropped to 1.6 on chromosome 8 and 1.7 on chromosome 18, suggesting these genetic effects were mediated by BMI. Suggestive linkage signals were found on chromosome 3 (LOD=2.1) and 10 (LOD=2.5), replicating findings from adult populations. This is the first observation of a linkage signal on chromosome 11 for adiponectin levels in a region enriched with quantitative trait loci (QTL) for obesity and diabetes-related traits. Our genome scan in children has identified novel QTL and replicated other QTL in chromosomal regions previously shown to be associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes-related phenotypes in adults. The genetic contribution of some loci to adiponectin levels may vary across different populations and age groups. The strong linkage signal on chromosome 11 harbors gene(s) that may contribute to the high susceptibility of these Hispanic children to obesity and T2D.