Associations of Leptin, Leptin Receptor, Insulin, and Interleukin-6 Gene Variants with Anthropometric Status and Eating Behavior in Young Children

Abstract

Purpose. To analyze associations of leptin, leptin receptor, insulin, and interleukin-6 genes variants (genotypes and alleles) with anthropometric status and eating behavior (EB) in young children. Materials and methods. A total of 106 infants were examined. Groups of children were distinguished taking into account the body weight (BW) during the survey (overweight and normal weight) and at birth (large weight by gestational age, low weight by gestational age, and appropriate weight by gestational age). Calculations and assessment of physical development indicators were performed using the WHO Anthro program. Leptin (LEP), leptin receptor (LEPR), insulin (INS), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) genes variants (genotypes and alleles) were determined. EB was assessed using the Children’s Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ) for parents. Results. The analysis of genes’ variant distribution in 37 overweight children and 69 infants of the comparison group revealed an association of rs2167270 variant of LEP gene with overweight (p=0.022). Associations with birth weight were found for GG genotype of IL-6 gene in the underweight and appropriate weight groups by gestational age (p=0.050 and p=0.039). CEBQ scores analysis showed significant differences in indicators contributing to obesity. AA genotype carriers of INS gene had significantly higher "desire to drink" criterion scores (p=0.033). The The "satiety responsiveness" parameter in children with GC genotype of IL-6 gene scored 3 (3–4), with GG genotype scored 3 (3–4), and with CC genotype scored 4 (3–4) (p=0.046). The "emotional undereating" indicator in IL-6 gene GC genotype carriers was 3 (2–4) points, in those of GG 3 (3–4), and in those of CC 4 (3–4) points (p=0.007). Statistically significant differences were established in "emotional overeating" criterion for the LEPR gene (p=0.045). Conclusion. The results obtained suggest the role of hereditary factors in the maintenance of physical status and formation of eating behavior in early childhood.