Influence of the Polymorphisms Tpr64Arg in the β3-Adrenergic Receptor Gene and Pro12Ala in the PPARγ2 Gene on Metabolic Syndrome-Related Phenotypes in an Indigenous Population of the Brazilian Amazon

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Multiple mechanisms, including genetic factors, may contribute to this condition. The Trp64Arg variant in the β3-adrenergic receptor has been associated with features of the metabolic syndrome (1). A relatively common gene variant, Pro12Ala of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ2 (PPARγ2) has been previously studied for association with obesity and type 2 diabetes (2,3). The Parkataje Indians, from the Brazilian Amazon region, remained largely isolated. Recently, they underwent a rapid and intensive process of acculturation, with important changes in their lifestyle. Accompanying these changes, an increasing prevalence of obesity and other features of the metabolic syndrome have …