The peroxisome proliferator activated receptorgamma2 (PPARgamma2) Pro12Ala variant: lack of association with type 2 diabetes in obese and non obese Tunisian patients.

Objectives: Peroxisome proliferator activated receptorgamma2 (PPARgamma2) is a nuclear receptor that regulates adipocyte differentiation, lipid metabolism and probably insulin sensitivity. There have been several reports on the relationship between the PPARgamma2 Pro12Ala genotype and the development of obesity or type 2 diabetes. We designed a case-controlled study to investigate the potential association of the genetic variation of the PPARgamma2 gene with type 2 diabetes in Tunisians.

Polymorphism of stress protein HSP70-2 gene in Tunisians: susceptibility implications in type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Objectives: Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) is expressed primarily in adipocytes and elevated levels of this cytokine have been linked to obesity and insulin resistance. Several studies have shown statistical evidence of linkage between obesity and the chromosomal region encompassing the TNFalpha gene, suggesting that TNF alpha and/or a nearby gene is involved in the pathogenesis of obesity. Recently we analyzed the -308 TNFalpha polymorphism and that of HSP70-2 gene in Tunisian patients with obesity and no significant difference in allele frequencies of the -308 TNFalpha polymorphism was found between obese patients and controls.

Genetic variation in the stress protein hsp70-2 gene is highly associated with obesity.

Background: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) expression is increased in adipose tissue of both rodent models of obesity and obese humans. It has therefore been considered as a candidate gene for obesity. Several studies have indeed shown statistical evidence of linkage between obesity and the chromosomal region encompassing the TNF-alpha gene, suggesting that TNF-alpha and/or a nearby gene (eg hsp70 gene) is involved in the onset and progression of weight gain.

Increased fat oxidation during Ramadan fasting in healthy women: an adaptative mechanism for body-weight maintenance.

Possible effects of Ramadan fasting on anthropometric and metabolic variables were investigated in healthy Tunisian Moslem women. Total daily energy intake remained unchanged whereas the qualitative components of nutrients were markedly affected. Neither body weight nor body composition were influenced by Ramadan fasting.