Aims: Serotonin has been related to appetite and body weight control. The aim of this study was to investigate a possible association of the -1438 /A promoter polymorphism of the serotonin 2A receptor (5HT2AR) gene with obesity-related variables and response to sibutramine.
Patients/methods: We examined the potential impact of this polymorphism on obesity and related metabolic traits in a cohort of 234 overweight/obese and 103 lean Greek subjects. Additionally, we examined whether the 5HT2AR 1438A/G polymorphism influences weight reduction and change in body composition among 106 out of these subjects, who were treated with 15 g sibutramine. Genotyping was carried out by polymerase chain reaction and restriction enzyme analysis.
Results: Body mass index, fat mass, and waist circumference were not significantly different across the 5HT2AR 1438A/G genotype groups in overweight/obese women. Polymorphic G allele was associated with higher triglyceride and insulin levels but not with other biochemical and metabolic parameters. Distribution of genotypes and alleles was not different between responders and nonresponders (weight loss >5 or <5 g).
Conclusions: Based on these results, it seems unlikely that the 5HT2AR 1438 /A polymorphism has a major impact on obesity and related traits or the response to sibutramine in Greek overweight/obese subjects.