Global transcript profiles of fat in monozygotic twins discordant for BMI: pathways behind acquired obesity.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The acquired component of complex traits is difficult to dissect in humans. Obesity represents such a trait, in which the metabolic and molecular consequences emerge from complex interactions of genes and environment. With the substantial morbidity associated with obesity, a deeper understanding of the concurrent metabolic changes is of considerable importance. The goal of this study was to investigate this important acquired component and expose obesity-induced changes in biological pathways in an identical genetic background.

Methods and findings

We used a special study design of "clonal controls," rare monozygotic twins discordant for obesity identified through a national registry of 2,453 young, healthy twin pairs. A total of 14 pairs were studied (eight male,

SUBMITTER: Pietilainen KH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2265758 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature