The Pro12Ala polymorphism in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma 2 gene is not associated with postprandial responses to glucose or fat tolerance tests in young healthy subjects: the European AtherosclerosisResearch Study II

This study investigated whether the Pro12Ala polymorphism of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma 2 (PPAR gamma 2) gene is associated with glucose and lipid metabolism in young healthy subjects participating i n the European Atherosclerosis Research Study II. Men aged 18-28 years (n=6 75) were recruited from 14 university student populations in II European co untries. At their first visit subjects had an oral glucose tolerance test a nd 1 week later an oral fat tolerance test. Lipid variables and genotype we re measured centrally. The Aln allele frequency exhibited a clearcut north- to-south gradient through Europe, decreasing from 0.21 in Baltic countries to 0.07 in Mediterranean countries. There was no significant effect of the Pro12Ala polymorphism on fasting lipid, glucose, or insulin levels, nor on the postprandial changes in these variables after glucose and fat tolerance tests. Neither was the Pro12Ala polymorphism associated with body mass ind ex. This study provides no evidence for a major effect of the Pro12Ala poly morphism on glucose and lipid metabolism in young healthy subjects. Since P PAR gamma has a major role in adipogenesis, the differential effect of its polymorphism on weight and related metabolic disorders may become apparent only later in life.