Influence of leptin polymorphism on eating motivation among women with systemic lupus erythematosus

• Grant number: 25/05001-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Nutrition - Nutrition Biochemistry
• Principal Investigator: Carolina Nicoletti Ferreira Fino
• Grantee: Lavínia Miranda da Silva
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina (FM). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by periods of exacerbation and remission, predominantly affecting women of reproductive age. Genetic, immunological, and environmental factors influence its development, including the production of autoantibodies and alterations in immune regulation. Leptin, a peptide hormone produced by adipose tissue, regulates satiety, energy expenditure, and inflammation. Patients with SLE exhibit elevated leptin levels, suggesting a potential role of this hormone in the pathophysiology of the disease and in eating behavior. The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) G2548A (rs7799039) in the leptin gene (LEP) may be associated with changes in energy metabolism and eating behavior. The 2548A allele has been linked to higher caloric intake, increased circulating leptin levels, and higher body mass index (BMI). This study aims to evaluate the association between the G2548A SNP in the LEP gene and motivation for food choices in women with SLE. For this, 100 premenopausal women (aged 18-45 years) with a diagnosis of SLE and in disease remission (SLEDAI ¿ 4) will be recruited, as well as 50 healthy women recruited for the control group. Participants will undergo fasting blood collection for genetic analysis, anthropometric assessment, dietary intake evaluation, and assessment of food choice motivation using the validated Eating Motivation Survey (TEMS) questionnaire. Statistical analyses will be performed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Chi-square (¿²) test, independent samples t-test, and the Mann-Whitney test. A significance level of p ¿ 0.05 will be considered. (AU)