Associations of Catechol-O-Methyl Transferase Gene (COMT) Polymorphism with Morphofunctional Indicators in Russian and Transnistrian Students

Abstract

Abstract The morphological features of human constitution, which are most often considered in regard to gene polymorphism, are indicators of the total fat deposition, since excess body weight and obesity contribute to an increased risk of developing many chronic diseases. Purpose. The purpose of this study is to search for possible associations between COMT gene rs4680 polymorphism and the morphological and functional characteristics of students in Russia and Transnistria. Materials and methods. The genotyping data (for the COMT gene) and complex anthropological examination (18 morphological and functional indicators) of 451 persons aged 16–23 years served as material for the study. Results. The study of the allele distribution in the surveyed sample of males and females showed the predominance of the G allele over the A allele (0.533 and 0.467, respectively), which is consistent with the data of other researchers obtained in samples of Russian residents of Novosibirsk and Americans of European descent. According to the results of a multistage statistical analysis of anthropogenetic data, it was revealed that young males and females who carry at least one A allele are not prone to a decreased metabolic rate and increased body weight compared with those with the homozygous G/G genotype. In turn, carriers of the G/G genotype are characterized by a decline in physical development: they have a lower proportion of the musculoskeletal component of body composition and a low rate of metabolic processes with an increased total body weight compared with individuals with the genotype A/A or A/G. Conclusions. Statistically significant associations of COMT gene rs4680 polymorphism with the characteristics of the body composition of young males and females were revealed, which confirms the data of other authors on the predisposition of carriers of the G/G genotype to obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as to the consumption of high fat food.