Uncoupling protein 2 polymorphisms as risk factors for NTDs.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Both environmental and genetic factors are involved in the etiology of NTDs. Inadequate folate intake and obesity are important environmental risk factors. Several folate-related genetic variants have been identified as risk factors; however, little is known about how genetic variants relate to the increased risk seen in obese women. Uncoupling Protein 2 (UCP2) is an attractive candidate to screen for NTD risk because of its possible role in obesity as well as energy metabolism, type-2 diabetes, and the regulation of reactive oxygen species. Interestingly, a previous study found that a common UCP2 compound homozygous genotype was associated with a threefold increase in NTD risk.

Methods

We evaluated three polymorphisms, -866G>A, A55V, and the 3'UTR 45 bp insertion

SUBMITTER: Mitchell A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2724655 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature