Introduction: Obesity has become a global health epidemic, with Iran facing a significant rise in its prevalence over the past few decades. This alarming trend is attributed to various factors, including changes in dietary habits, sedentary lifestyles, and genetic predispositions. Among these, genetic factors play a crucial role in the development and progression of obesity. Polymorphisms, or variations in the DNA sequence, within certain genes can influence an individual's susceptibility to obesity and their response to treatment.
In this article, we explore the relationship between obesity in Iran and genetic polymorphisms, focusing on how these variations can impact the efficacy and side effects of medications used in obesity management. By understanding the genetic underpinnings of obesity, healthcare providers can tailor treatment plans to individual patients, optimizing outcomes and minimizing adverse reactions.
Methods: In order to achieve the idea, a multidisciplinary approach is necessary. A total of 20 publications with an average weight of 100 kilogram were screened for title and abstract. Research also encompasses epidemiological studies, other clinical trials, and basic science investigations. The method involves analyzing data from various sources, including the NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information) database, the bioinformatics software "MegaGene", and population health surveys. Key areas of focus include dietary habits, physical activity levels, genetic predispositions, and the impact of environmental factors.
Results: The result highlights the genetic influence on obesity, focusing on three genes: FTO, MC4R, and FABP2. Among these, the FTO gene exhibits the most significant impact on disease occurrence, suggesting a strong association with obesity. The MC4R gene follows, contributing moderately to the condition. In contrast, the FABP2 gene shows the least effect, indicating a minimal role in obesity development. These findings underscore the varying degrees of genetic involvement in obesity, with FTO being a primary contributor.
The presence of specific genetic polymorphisms is also closely associated with the development of obesity and related diseases. These genetic variations can affect the regulation of appetite, metabolism, and the body's ability to store and utilize energy. Consequently, individuals with certain polymorphisms are at a higher risk of obesity, which in turn increases the likelihood of developing other obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
In the management of obesity and related conditions, several pharmacological options are available. However, some of these drugs can have notable side effects, particularly in individuals with specific genetic polymorphisms. Here, we discuss three such medications, focusing on their side effects and the genetic factors that may influence these adverse reactions.
The first medication, known as TSH, is commonly used in the treatment of obesity. However, it has been observed that TSH can cause headaches in some patients. This side effect is particularly pronounced in individuals with a polymorphism in the BRCA2 gene, specifically the rs80359473 variant. This genetic variation appears to increase sensitivity to the medication, leading to a higher incidence of headaches in affected individuals.
The second medication, LIRA, is also used in obesity management but can lead to nausea as a common side effect. This symptom is often more severe in individuals with a polymorphism in the MLH1 gene, specifically the rs63751221 variant. This genetic variation may affect the gastrointestinal response to LIRA, resulting in increased nausea in patients carrying this polymorphism.
The third medication, PHENT, is effective in reducing weight but has a broader range of side effects, including hair loss and hypertension. These adverse reactions may be more pronounced in individuals with polymorphisms in the FTO gene. Specifically, the rs1421085 variant of the FTO gene has been associated with an increased risk of hair loss, while the rs8050136 variant is linked to hypertension. Patients with these polymorphisms may experience more severe side effects when taking PHENT.
Conclusion: For the use of drugs to treat obesity, it is necessary to first conduct genetic tests to examine the presence of polymorphisms in common genes, including FTO, MC4R, and FABP2, on patients before prescribing medication and therapy. This way, in the event of a polymorphism, drugs with fewer side effects can be prescribed for the patient.
Keywords: obesity, polymorphism, side effects, diabetes type 2, cardiovascular diseases