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Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) administration reduces weight in leptin-resistant mice via the signalling pathway normally activated by leptin. A G>A null mutation in the CNTF gene results in complete absence of protein. We hypothesised that absence of CNTF could lead to diminished initiation of anorectic pathways, with consequent increase in body mass. In 575 Caucasian men aged 59-73 years, the A/A genotype (frequency 1.9%) was associated with a 10 kg increase in weight (P=0.03, 2 df) and 3 kg/m(2) greater BMI (P=0.02, 2 df). There was no effect in women. The CNTF G>A null mutation therefore confers a moderate effect on obesity in males of A/A genotype, who represent 1% of the general population.

Original publication

DOI

10.1038/sj.ejhg.5200873

Type

Journal article

Journal

Eur j hum genet

Publication Date

11/2002

Volume

10

Pages

749 - 752

Keywords

Aged, Body Mass Index, Chi-Square Distribution, Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor, Female, Gene Frequency, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Mutation