Relationship of PGC-1α Gene Polymorphism With Insulin Resistance Syndrome in Korean Children

This study aimed to investigate the associations between peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1 alpha) gene Gly482Ser polymorphism (rs8192678) and parameters of insulin resistance in a sample of Korean children. A total of 286 children aged 10 to 12 years old were recruited from local elementary schools. Measured variables included body fat, blood pressures, blood lipids, glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and accelerometer-based physical activity (PA). Significant differences in percentage body fat (P =.016), insulin (P =.013), and HOMA-IR (P =.007) were found according to Gly482Ser genotype, with no significant genotype differences in the other measured variables. The genotype-specific differences in insulin (P =.136) and HOMA-IR (P =.067) were significantly attenuated when adjusted for age, sex, Tanner stage, body fat, and PA. The findings of the study suggest that the genetic effects of the PGC-1 alpha genotypes on parameters of insulin resistance might be modulated by lifestyle factors, including PA and body fatness.