Identification of leptin gene variants in school children with early onset obesity.

Objective: To investigate leptin gene variations in Thai primary school children.

Material And Method: Direct DNA sequencing was performed following polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the leptin gene in 30 obese children aged 10-12 years old.

Results: A heterozygous variant 19 (G > A), located in the non-coding region of exon 1 was detected in 13 subjects (43.3%, A: 0.22). Only 2 subjects (6.7%, G: 0.03) harbored a heterozygous (CAA > CAG) polymorphism in codon 25 of exon 2.

Conclusion: The 25 (CAA > CAG) polymorphism appeared to be a new leptin gene variant in Thai people. This study provides basic information concerning the prevalence of leptin gene polymorphisms in Thai children with early onset obesity. It might be useful as genetic marker for screening for obesity potential in large populations.