Study Finds Gene Regulating Fat Cell Production a Risk Factor for Overweight People

Published study finds it important to test the Fat Regulator Gene PPAR-Gamma.

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) June 26, 2007 -- Salugen™ (www.salugen.com), a leading personalized health and wellness company, announces today study results published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal, Gene Therapy and Molecular Biology examining the importance of testing the Fat Regulator Gene™ as a risk factor for unwanted weight. The Fat Regulator Gene is measured as part of GenoTrim™, the DNA-customized nutritional solution for weight management (www.GenoTrim.com).

In this published study entitled, "The PPAR-γ Pro12Ala allele polymorphism of the Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (γ) Gene (PPARG2) is a risk factor with a self-identified obese Dutch population", investigators genotyped 1,058 subjects taking GenoTrim. In this study, the Fat Regulator Gene (PPAR gene Ala allele) polymorphic frequency was 25.05% of the study subjects (n=1,058) versus 14% of the literature controls (n=2,245). This difference was significant (Z=17.398, p= 0.001).

Dr. Kenneth Blum, a lead researcher in the study from Wake Forest University School of Medicine and Chief Scientific Officer of Salugen states, "These results suggest that in a highly motivated (wanting to lose unwanted weight) group of self-identified obese subjects from the Netherlands, the Pro 12A1a polymorphism of the PPARG2 gene significantly associates with these individuals compared to non-obese controls and may be considered a risk factor. This study confirms earlier published data from other laboratories."

The Fat Regulator Gene has been associated with weight, specifically responses to dietary fat intake. It has also been associated with weight throughout life. In a study of 311 subjects who participated in a population-based study, weight at birth, 7 years, 20 years, and 41 years, as well as ponderal index at birth, BMI and waist circumference at 41 years were recorded. The Fat Regulator Gene was associated with high ponderal index at birth (baby birth weight (p=0.007) and weight at 7 years (p=0.045). The gene tended to be associated with high birth weight (p = 0.094). Subjects with this gene gained less weight between 7 and 20 years (p = 0.043), more weight between 20 and 41 years (p = 0.001) and ended up having higher waist circumference (p = 0.040) in adulthood than did subjects with the normal genotype. The study authors concluded that the Fat Regulator Gene regulates weight and body composition from utero to adulthood (Verreth et al, 2004).

About GenoTrim
GenoTrim is a DNA-customized nutritional solution for weight management. Based upon an analysis of five important genes effecting weight, GenoTrim ingredients and dosages are genetically-guided to address the underlying genetic factors involved in hormones and metabolism that Harvard Medical Experts suggest influence 70% to 80% of overweight cases. By addressing genetic factors that make individuals prone to weight problems, GenoTrim has demonstrated in studies to help reduce weight, appetite, sugar cravings, snacking, and late-night eating, as well as help support improved sleep, mood, and energy levels which results in sustainable weight loss. GenoTrim will be available in the United States through DNA Services of America (www.dnasoa.com) later in 2007. For more information on GenoTrim, please visit www.genotrim.com.

About Salugen
Salugen, Inc., a leading personalized health and wellness company, engages in the discovery, development and commercialization of patent-protected genetic tests and companion DNA-customized therapeutics worldwide. With over 30 years of research conducted on the genetic causes and pharmacology of many healthcare concerns, Salugen is a pioneer and leader in delivering personalized medicine. Currently, the Company commercializes nutrigenomic technologies where genetic analysis guides the formulation and delivery of nutritional solutions that are customized to the individual. The company has headquarters in San Diego, CA, with its high-complexity CLIA-certified laboratory services in Los Angeles, CA. For additional information about the company, please visit http://www.salugen.com.

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