Obesity: genetics and diagnostic biomarkers

Abstract

Introduction: obesity is considered a public health problem and affects children, teenagers, and adults worldwide; the principal causes are bad diet, lack of exercise, and genetic factors, which can trigger multiple chronic diseases. Objective: to understand the genetics of obesity and diagnostic biomarkers used in the clinical laboratory. Methods: Google Scholar, Pubmed, SciELO, Dialnet, and ScienceDirect databases were used. We found 34 articles in English and Spanish that met the search criteria: genes, obesity, and diagnostic biomarkers, using articles 5-10 years old. Results: the analysis of the different research describes some genes that are important factors for obesity; some genes are FTO, MC3R, MC4R, and POMC alterations are associated with obesity. However, there are measurable biomarkers in blood that help in its diagnosis, among them lipid profile, insulin, glucose, C-reactive protein, ghrelin, adiponectin, and leptin. Conclusions: FTO was the first gene associated with obesity that has been described in several worldwide studies. In addition, the analysis of biomarkers in the clinical laboratory is vital in the diagnosis as it helps in treating or controlling this disease so that this pathology does not increase its incidence.