J Pediatr Genet 2014; 03(01): 017-028
DOI: 10.3233/PGE-14084
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart – New York

Adiponectin gene polymorphisms: Association with childhood obesity

Vanêssa Gomes Fraga
a   Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
,
Karina Braga Gomes
a   Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
› Author Affiliations

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Further Information

Publication History

24 April 2014

10 July 2014

Publication Date:
27 July 2015 (online)

Abstract

The current childhood obesity epidemic represents a particular challenge for public health. Understanding of the etiological mechanisms of obesity remains integral in treating this complex disorder. In recent years, studies have elucidated the influence of hormones secreted by adipose tissue named adipokines. Adiponectin is a adipokine that exhibits important anti-inflammatory, insulin-sensitizing and anti-atherogenic properties and it is strongly associated to obesity development. It is well known that adiponectin levels decrease with obesity. Furthermore, studies show that some single nucleotide polymorphisms in the gene encoding adiponectin, ADIPOQ, may influence the expression of this protein. The objective of this paper is to provide an up-to-date review of ADIPOQ polymorphisms in the context of childhood obesity.