Study of leptin levels and gene polymorphisms in patients with central precocious puberty.

INTRODUCTION

Three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the leptin (LEP) or leptin receptor (LEPR) genes were assessed for their association with central precocious puberty (CPP).

RESULTS

The control group with the A/G SNP at LEPR 223 or A/G SNP at LEPR 109 exhibited significantly higher peak luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. The leptin level in the CPP group was significantly higher than that in the control group, but SNPs in either LEP or LEPR gene could not explain this observation.

DISCUSSION: In conclusion, SNPs at LEPR 223 and LEPR 109 were significantly associated with higher levels of LH in girls without CPP, but none of the genotypes at these SNPs were significantly associated with CPP.

METHODS

The SNP genotypes of LEP (polymorphism at promoter at nt-2548) and LEPR (223A/G, 109A/G) of 219 healthy girls and 249 girls diagnosed with CPP were compared. Allele frequencies in SNPs were compared with anthropometric measures, circulating leptin, hormones (estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone, and LH), and lipid concentrations for CPP risk.