Salivary Amylase Gene Copy Number Is Associated with the Obesity and Inflammatory Markers in Children

We have recently shown that the copy number of salivary amylase (AMY1) gene was significantly decreased, and the obesity-related salivary biomarkers resistin, MCP-1, TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP were significantly increased in overweight/obese children compared to normal weight. This study aimed to evaluate the association of AMY1 copy number variant (CNV) with obesity and inflammatory markers. Seventy-six participants aged between 6 and 10 years have participated, and the saliva samples were collected along with the anthropometric measurements.

Our results report that AMY1 CNV is associated with obesity and inflammatory biomarkers in children's saliva sample.

AMY1 copy number was analyzed by 3D digital PCR, and obesity-related biomarkers were performed with a Bioplex multiplex analyzer.

The mean AMY1 copy number was higher in normal weight (7.90 ± 0.38) compared to the overweight/obese group (6.20 ± 0.29). The association of AMY1 CNV with obesity and inflammatory markers showed significant negative correlation [CRP, β = -0.238 (p < 0.05); resistin, β = -0.25 (p < 0.05); MCP-1, β = -0.304 (p < 0.01)] except for complement factor D, TNF α and IL-6. The anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10 reported a positive correlation with AMY1 copy number with a β = 0.268 (p < 0.05). The multivariable model adjusted with age and gender depicted a similar correlation with obesity markers.