Abstract: Objective To investigate the association of Lys656Asn polymorphism in leptin receptor gene with serum triglyceride level. Methods The genotypes of Lys656Asn polymorphism in LepR gene were determined by polymerase chain reaction- single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) assay in 232 unrelated subjects of Shanghai Chinese population (including 130 subjects with simple obesity and 102 normal controls). The clinical data were also analyzed. Results No significant difference of genotype frequency of Lys656Asn polymorphism in LepR gene was observed between obese and non-obese group. In obese group, "G" Allele was associated with increased triglyceride level (1.74±0.91 vs 0.95±0.32, P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that this gene polymorphism was independently associated with serum triglyceride level (P=0.026). Conclusion Lys656Asn variant in LepR gene is associated with serum triglyceride level in Shanghai Chinese obese population.

Key words: Chinese, obesity, leptin receptor, gene, Lys656Asn polymorphism