Association of the melanocortin 4 receptor gene rs17782313 polymorphism with rewarding value of food and eating behavior in Chilean children

Abstract

Studies conducted in monozygotic and dizygotic twins have established a strong genetic component in eating behavior. Rare mutations and common variants of the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) gene have been linked to obesity and eating behavior scores. However, few studies have assessed common variants in MC4R gene with the rewarding value of food in children. The objective of the study was to evaluate the association between the MC4R rs17782313 polymorphism with homeostatic and non-homeostatic eating behavior patterns in Chileans children. This is a cross-sectional study in 258 Chilean children (44 % female, 8-14 years old) showing a wide variation in BMI. Anthropometric measurements (weight, height, Z-score of BMI and waist circumference) were performed by standard procedures. Eating behavior was assessed using the Eating in Absence of Hunger Questionnaire (EAHQ), the Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ), the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ), and the Food Reinforcement Value Questionnaire (FRVQ). Genotype of the rs17782313 nearby MC4R was determined by a Taqman assay. Association of the rs17782313 C allele with eating behavior was assessed using non-parametric tests. We found that children carrying the CC genotype have higher scores of food responsiveness (p value = 0.02). In obese girls, carriers of the C allele showed lower scores of satiety responsiveness (p value = 0.02) and higher scores of uncontrolled eating (p value = 0.01). Obese boys carrying the C allele showed lower rewarding value of food in relation to non-carriers. The rs17782313 C allele is associated with eating behavior traits that may predispose obese children to increased energy intake and obesity.

The Melanocortin System behind the Dysfunctional Eating Behaviors

“…Eating behavior scores were calculated from the EAH Test, CEBQ, TFEQ and Food Reinforcement Value Questionnaire (RVFQ), reporting differences between gender in eating patterns, but not in elevated BMI: in obese boys, carriers of the SNP, a significantly lower reinforcing value of food was observed compared to the non-carriers; meanwhile, obese girls, carriers of this polymorphism, showed lower satiety responsiveness, and UE with respect to obese girls without the SNP. These results are in accordance with the study of Vega et al, in which Chilean obese adults showed UE, suggesting the involvement of MC4R in dopamine pathways relating to food reward [ 153 ]. The hypothesis of a possible link between dopamine and melanocortin pathways has also been proposed by Yilmaz et al, underlying that this interaction could be responsible for the results of the study, in which, through the use of several questionnaires, significant EE, food craving, elevated BMI and depressive mood in European adult carriers of SNP rs17782313 were found [ 144 ].…”

“…Recent studies in obese, overweight and normal weight Chilean children extended the evidence about the SNP rs17782313, investigating how this genetic variant affects the ingestive behaviors related to reward properties of food [ 153 ]. Eating behavior scores were calculated from the EAH Test, CEBQ, TFEQ and Food Reinforcement Value Questionnaire (RVFQ), reporting differences between gender in eating patterns, but not in elevated BMI: in obese boys, carriers of the SNP, a significantly lower reinforcing value of food was observed compared to the non-carriers; meanwhile, obese girls, carriers of this polymorphism, showed lower satiety responsiveness, and UE with respect to obese girls without the SNP.…”

FTO genotype and weight status among preadolescents: Assessing the mediating effects of obesogenic appetitive traits

“…For example, data from two independent large cohorts documented that while a genetic predisposition risk score constructed from either 28 13 or 97 42 known obesity SNPs was associated with decreased satiety responsiveness, findings in either study did not appear driven by FTO genotype. Furthermore, research among a cohort of 258 Chilean 8–14 year olds support that polymorphisms in the melanocortin-4 receptor relate to variations in the CEBQ subscales food responsiveness and satiety responsiveness, 17 and findings from a case-control study among another sample of 377 Chilean 6–12 year olds support that melanocortin-4 receptor polymorphisms relate to variations in the CEBQ subscales of satiety responsiveness and enjoyment of food. 14 Additionally, our measures of appetitive traits were limited to those assessed with the CEBQ, a valid and reliable assessment of satiety responsiveness, enjoyment of food and food responsiveness.…”

Rs12970134 near MC4R is associated with appetite and beverage intake in overweight and obese children: A family-based association study in Chinese population

“…Vega, et al reported that rs17782313 was associated with higher scores of uncontrolled eating in Chilean adults [47]. Obregón AM, et al reported that rs17782313 was associated with food responsiveness ( P = 0.02) [48]. Ho-Urriola, et al later conducted a case-control study in 2014 [17] where 6 children with rs17782313 CC genotype and 60 children with TT genotype were matched by gender, age and BMI, and found that as compared to children with TT genotype, the CC genotype carriers had a relatively higher CEBQ score of “enjoyment of food” ( P = 0.04) and a lower score of “satiety responsiveness” ( P = 0.02).…”