ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between the -2548 G/A functional polymorphism in the 5′ promoter region of the leptin gene and gallstones. Methods The -2548 G/A polymorphisms of leptin gene were determined by polymerase chain reactionrestriction fragment length polymorphism technology (PCRRFLP) in 118 patients with cholesterol gallstones and 53 normal control subjects. Then the allele and genotype distribution were studied. Results The distribution of leptin2458 G/A in two groups was statistically significantly different: the genotype frequency of AA+GA of patients in gallstone group was higher than that in control group (χ2=4.251, P=0.039). AA+AG genotype had 2.813 times greater risk for gallstone disease compared with GG genotype (OR=2.813, 95% CI=1.020-7.757). Allele frequency distribution in the two groups was different: the allele frequency of A of patients in gallstone group was higher than that in control group (χ2=5.791, P=0.016). The risk of gallstone disease in the A alleles carriers was 1.777 times as higher as the carriers of G alleles (OR=1.777, 95% CI=1.110-2.844). ConclusionThe -2548 G/A polymorphism in the 5′ promoter region of leptin gene is significantly correlated with the gallstones. The A alleles of leptin may be a genetic factor which contributes to individual susceptibility for gallstone, while the G alleles of leptin may be a genetic factor that prevents people from gallstone.
