The Gln223Arg polymorphism of the leptin receptor in Pima Indians: influence on energy expenditure, physical activity and lipid metabolism

Leptin regulates body weight by its receptor-mediated anorectic, thermogenic and antisteatotic effects. Recently, lower leptin binding to the soluble form of the leptin receptor (LEPR) was shown in carriers of the Arg223-encoding allele of the Gln223Arg polymorphism of the LEPR. To investigate whether this variant influences energy metabolism and adiposity in Pima Indians, we genotyped non-diabetic Pima Indians in whom we had measured body composition and 24 h energy expenditure (24 h EE), physical activity level (PAL) and 24 h respiratory quotient (24 h RQ) in a respiratory chamber (n = 268) and who had undergone percutaneous fat biopsies from the periumbilical region (n=184). Genotype was not associated with percent body fat (P > 0.39), but was associated with 24 h EE, PAL and mean subcutaneous abdominal adipocyte size (SAAS all P < 0.05). Homozygotes for the Arg223-encoding allele had lower 24 h EE (P = 0.04) and PAL (P = 0.007), but larger SAAS (P = 0.01) than Gln homozygotes. These findings are consistent with a role of the Gln223Arg polymorphism in reducing peripheral and central leptin binding to the LEPR in humans. However, these effects do not seem to have a major impact on adiposity in this population.