Polymorphism rs3123554 in the cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R) gene is associated with metabolic changes after biliopancreatic diversion surgery

Abstract Introduction The role of genetic variants of the CB2R gene in weight loss after a dietary intervention has been investigated in few studies, none of which has been conducted after bariatric surgery. Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the genetic variant (rs3123554) of the CB2R gene on cardiovascular risk factors and weight loss secondary to a biliopancreatic diversion. Design The study simple consisted of 147 patients with morbid obesity. Biochemical and anthropometric parameters were measured at baseline and at each visit during 3 years (1, 2, and 3 years). Results Percent excess weight loss, body mass index, weight, waist circumference, fat mass, blood pressure, fasting glucose, LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, insulin, HOMA-IR, and triglyceride levels improved in both genotype groups. Decreases in fasting insulin levels and HOMA-IR were higher in non-A allele carriers as compared to A allele carriers. Conclusions Our data suggest that patients with morbid obesity who undergo bariatric surgery and carry the A allele of variant rs3123554 of the CB2R gene have greater weight. This allele has no influence on weight loss after surgery, but results in a lower decrease in insulin levels and insulin resistance.