Glucocorticoid receptor gene polymorphism (Ser363 variant) does not lead to obesity

Chronically raised cortisol concentrations can increase body fat. A dysfunctional glucocortisoid receptor may lead to excessive cortisol concentrations, which may have adverse health effects. Rosmond et al (p 652) examined the metabolic effects of the Asn363Srer polymorphism in exon 2 of the glucocorticoid receptor gene in a cohort of Swedish men. They found that the frequency of this rare allele was 0.05 and that it was not associated with altered sensitivity to glucocorticoids or with obesity and its related metabolic and haemodynamic complications. This finding goes against previous work. The authors conclude that there may be several different polymorphisms and mutations but only a few of them may be consistently associated with obesity.

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Relevant Article

Tsp509I polymorphism in exon 2 of the glucocorticoid receptor gene in relation to obesity and cortisol secretion: cohort study

Roland Rosmond, Claude Bouchard, and Per Björntorp
BMJ 2001 322: 652-653. [Full Text] [PDF]