Polymorphism of the 5-HT2A receptor gene and food intakes in children and adolescents:: the Stanislas Family Study

Background: Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) is a key mediator in the control of food intake and is probably involved in the etiology of anorexia nervosa. An association between a polymorphism of the 5-HT receptor (5-HT2A) gene promoter (-1438G/A) and anorexia nervosa has been reported. Objective: We investigated the relation between the -1438G/A polymorphism of the 5-HT2A gene and the energy and macronutrient intakes of children and adolescents. Design: This cross-sectional study included 370 children and adolescents aged 10-20 y (176 boys and 194 girls from 251 families) drawn from the Stanislas Family Study. Energy and macronutrient intakes were assessed by using 3-d food records. The -1438G/A polymorphism was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction and then by Hpa II digestion. Results: In the overall group, after adjustment for age, sex, weight, height, and family correlation, the A allele was significantly associated with lower energy (P for trend = 0.045) and with total, mono-unsaturated, and saturated fat intakes expressed in g/d (P for trend 0.007, 0.005, and 0.006, respectively). Subjects with the GA genotype had intermediate values. In addition, genotype X sex and genotype X age interactions were not significant. Conclusions: The 5-HT2A gene polymorphism in the promoter region is associated with energy and fat intakes in young people. This could be explained by the role of the serotonergic system as a determinant of food intakes and eating behavior.