Meta-analysis reveals the association of common variants in the uncoupling protein (UCP) 1-3 genes with body mass index variability

PLoS One. 2014 May 7;9(5):e96411. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0096411. eCollection 2014.

Abstract

Background: The relationship between uncoupling protein (UCP) 1-3 polymorphisms and susceptibility to obesity has been investigated in several genetic studies. However, the impact of these polymorphisms on obesity is still under debate, with contradictory results being reported. Until this date, no meta-analysis evaluated the association of UCP polymorphisms with body mass index (BMI) variability. Thus, this paper describe a meta-analysis conducted to evaluate if the -3826A/G (UCP1); -866G/A, Ala55Val and Ins/Del (UCP2) and -55C/T (UCP3) polymorphisms are associated with BMI changes.

Methods: A literature search was run to identify all studies that investigated associations between UCP1-3 polymorphisms and BMI. Weighted mean differences (WMD) were calculated for different inheritance models.

Results: Fifty-six studies were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis results showed that UCP2 55Val/Val genotype was associated with increased BMI in Europeans [Random Effect Model (REM) WMD 0.81, 95% CI 0.20, 1.41]. Moreover, the UCP2 Ins allele and UCP3-55T/T genotype were associated with increased BMI in Asians [REM WMD 0.46, 95% CI 0.09, 0.83 and Fixed Effect Model (FEM) WMD 1.63, 95% CI 0.25, 3.01]. However, a decreased BMI mean was observed for the UCP2-866 A allele in Europeans under a dominant model of inheritance (REM WMD -0.18, 95% CI -0.35, -0.01). There was no significant association of the UCP1-3826A/G polymorphism with BMI mean differences.

Conclusions: The meta-analysis detected a significant association between the UCP2-866G/A, Ins/Del, Ala55Val and UCP3-55C/T polymorphisms and BMI mean differences.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alleles
  • Body Mass Index*
  • Genetic Association Studies
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Ion Channels / genetics*
  • Mitochondrial Proteins / genetics*
  • Obesity / genetics*
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Uncoupling Protein 1
  • Uncoupling Protein 2
  • Uncoupling Protein 3

Substances

  • Ion Channels
  • Mitochondrial Proteins
  • UCP1 protein, human
  • UCP2 protein, human
  • UCP3 protein, human
  • Uncoupling Protein 1
  • Uncoupling Protein 2
  • Uncoupling Protein 3

Grants and funding

This study was partially supported by grants from the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul (FAPERGS), the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), the Fundo de Incentivo à Pesquisa e Eventos (FIPE) at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre and Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.