Leptin Gene Polymorphism, Plasma Leptin Levels And Aerobic Capacity In Response To Intense Exercise: 1895 Board #51 May 30 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to determine the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the leptin (LEP) and leptin receptor (LEPR) genes, and body composition, plasma leptin levels, and aerobic capacity in response to 48 h of intense exercise. METHODS: Male Brazilian Army cadets (n=163; 21.6±0.4 years) were genotyped for the LEP 19G>A (rs2167270) and -2548G>A (rs7799039), and LEPR 668A>G (rs1137101) polymorphisms. Anthropometric, hormonal and aerobic capacity parameters were measured 48 h after intense military exercise. RESULTS: Sixty-seven percent of participants were classified as having superior aerobic conditioning (VO2max=55.2±0.2 mL∙kg-1∙min-1), and had lower plasma leptin levels (36%, P=0.008) than subjects classified as having excellent aerobic conditioning. Considering all subjects VO2max correlated negatively with fat mass (r=-0.212; P=0.007), whereas plasma leptin level correlated positively with body fat (r=0.642, P=0.005) and fat mass (r=0.723, P=0.001), and negatively with VO2max (r=-0.223, P=0.005). Only individuals homozygous for the wild-type homozygote for LEP -2548G>A SNP had higher plasma leptin values (59%), body fat (85%), and fat mass (82%) (P<0.05) compared to those with a GA genotype. LEP -2548G>A SNP was a positive predictor for plasma leptin levels (B=0.217, P=0.02), after adjusting for fat mass, and therefore, genotype effects may affect leptin levels. CONCLUSIONS: Polymorphism in the leptin promoter gene may influence plasma leptin levels, but not aerobic capacity, in response to intense physical exercise. Additional studies are needed to show the precise contribution of the SNPs on aerobic capacity. Financial support FAPERJ.