D2 dopamine receptor gene and obesity

Abstract

The prevalence of Taql A D2 dopamine receptor (DRD2) alleles was determined in 73 obese women and men. In this sample with a mean body mass index of 35.1, the A1 (minor) allele of the DRD2 gene was present in 45.2% of these nonalcohol, nondrug abusing subjects. The DRD2 A1 allele was not associated with a number of cardiovascular risk factors examined, including blood lipids (cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein [HDL]‐ and low‐density lipoprotein [LDL]‐cholesterol, and triglycerides). However, phenotypic factors characterized by the presence of parental history and postpuberty onset of obesity as well as carbohydrate preference were associated with obese subjects carrying the A1 allele. The cumulative number of these three factors was positively and significantly (p < .0002) related to A1 allelic prevalence. The data showing an association of the minor allele of the DRD2 gene with phenotypic characteristics suggest that this gene, located on q22–q23 region of chromosome 11, confers susceptibility to a subtype of this disorder. © 1994 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

The Apolipoprotein E Gene and Taq1A Polymorphisms in Childhood Obesity

“…In addition, the Taq1A polymorphism is unlikely to be a common cause of obesity in Nauruan and Australian subjects (Southon et al, 2003). Further, the Taq1A polymorphism was not associated with blood lipids such as cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides (Noble et al, 1994). Our findings also confirmed these results.…”

Polymorphism in exon 6 of the dopamine D2 receptor gene (DRD2) is associated with elevated blood pressure and personality disorders in men

“…11 Although the carriers of the A1 allele showed no associations with BMI, WHR or cardiovascular risk factors, the A1 allele was more frequent in those with parental history of obesity, adult onset of obesity and carbohydrate preference in food intake. We did not measure these variables in the present study.…”

“…[6][7][8][9][10] Furthermore, the dopaminergic system seems to play a role in the development of obesity, presumably via regulation of food intake. 6,[11][12][13] We have recently reported that the…”

Increased dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activation in obese children during observation of food stimuli

“…5 Research on addiction and obesity has linked lower dopamine D2 receptor density, or D2 receptor dysfunction, to a higher vulnerability to substance abuse and excessive food intake. [9][10][11] As a kind of self-healing process, 'reward deficiency syndrome' leads individuals to consume high amounts of substances, such as alcohol, drugs, or food, which cause a release of dopamine in the dopaminergic reward system. 12 It is intriguing to speculate that there exists a brain region that might help overcome temptations.…”