Year: 2008
Type: article
Abstract: The genetic factors contribute to three types of obesity: monogenic obesity, syndromic obesity and common obesity. The group of monogenic obesity consists of a group of rare diseases in which mutations of appetite control genes are involved. It is believed that the most common form of monogenic obesity is due to a mutation of the melanocortin 4th receptor. The latest research suggests, that the number of cases with this mutation may be more abundant than originally hypothesized, especially in group of patients with early-onset, morbid obesity. The importance of this type of obesity is growing due to the increasing incidence of new cases and the effect that new genetic research is having on existing and potential therapeutic approaches. Taking into account the 25 other cases of syndromic obesity, the most important syndromes are: Prader-Willi, Bardet-Biedl, Alström and Cohen Syndromes. The pathogenesis of these syndromes remains unclear, nevertheless these syndromes reveal new insights to human physiology. Due to the multisystemic phenotypes of these syndromes, complex medical care is required. Common obesity is a result of a gene-environment interaction. It is a widespread form of obesity and it seems, that gaining knowledge about this particular form of obesity is one of the most baffling challenges for contemporary medicine. Identifying the extent that genes contribute to obesity will require new techniques in population genetics. This review provides information about recent genetic research progressions in all three types of human obesity, with a focus on pathophysiology, clinical aspects and future research.
Source: Via Medica Journals
Institution: Poznan University of Medical Sciences
Language: Polish
Subfield: Endocrine and Autonomic Systems
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2587566413