Association of MAOA and COMT gene polymorphisms with palatable food intake in children.

Several studies have implicated dopamine (DA) in appetite regulation. The enzymes catechol-o-methyltransferase (COMT) and monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) control DA availability and their genes have well-characterized functional variants. In this study, we examined three polymorphisms in these genes, T941G and MAOAu-VNTR in the MAOA gene and Val158Met in the COMT gene, to investigate how heritable variations in enzymes that determine DA levels might influence food intake and nutritional status.

Evaluation of UGT1A1 and SULT1A1 polymorphisms with lipid levels in women with different hormonal status.

Background: Estrogens influence many physiological processes including cardiovascular health. Polymorphisms in phase I and II estrogen metabolism enzymes are associated with lipid levels in women.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 269 postmenopausal women, 116 who received oral hormonal therapy (HT) (39-75 years) with estrogens or estrogens plus progestagen, 153 that did not receive any HT (38-85 years), and 155 premenopausal women (18-52 years).