Family and population-based studies of variation within the ghrelin receptor locus in relation to measures of obesity.

Background: The growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) is mediating hunger sensation when stimulated by its natural ligand ghrelin. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that common and rare variation in the GHSR locus are related to increased prevalence of obesity and overweight among Whites.

Methodology/principal Findings: In a population-based study sample of 15,854 unrelated, middle-aged Danes, seven variants were genotyped to capture common variation in an 11 kbp region including GHSR.

Genetic polymorphisms and weight loss in obesity: a randomised trial of hypo-energetic high- versus low-fat diets.

Objectives: To study if genes with common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with obesity-related phenotypes influence weight loss (WL) in obese individuals treated by a hypo-energetic low-fat or high-fat diet.

Design: Randomised, parallel, two-arm, open-label multi-centre trial.

Setting: Eight clinical centres in seven European countries.

Possible role of adiponectin and insulin sensitivity in mediating the favorable effects of lower body fat mass on blood lipids.

Aims: The objective of this study was to investigate the role of insulin sensitivity and serum adiponectin concentration as determinants, in middle-aged men, of the relationship between lower body fat and blood lipids after truncal fat has been accounted for.

Methods: Men (443) aged 39-65 yr, body mass index 18-43 kg/m(2), participated in the study. The following variables were measured: regional body fat distribution as assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, maximal oxygen uptake, physical activity, fasting levels of serum adiponectin, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein- and total cholesterol.

[Molecular pathogenesis in monogenic and polygenic obesity].

During the last few years, studies of the molecular pathogenesis of obesity both in mouse models and in the rare cases of monogenic obesity in humans have added significantly to our understanding of the key role of the hypothalamus in mediating hunger and satiety. These insights have brought us closer to the development of rational therapies of obesity, the epidemic of which is continuing in the post-industrial society, which is characterised by sedentary behaviour patterns.

[The genetics of obesity].

Although environmental factors clearly play a role, studies of twins and adoptees show that obesity is a familial trait which to a large degree can be ascribed to genetic factors. According to evolutionary models, obesity-causing variants may originally have had an evolutionary benefit, whereas in a modern environment they pose a risk. Despite a clear genetic cause, the molecular genetic variations underlying common forms of obesity are not clear.