Polymorphism of the adrenergic receptor alpha 2a −1291C>G genetic variation and clozapine-induced weight gain

Summary. Weight gain, leading to further morbidity and poor treatment compliance, is a common consequence of treatment with clozapine. The substantial interindividual and interracial differences in drug-induced weight gain suggest that genetic factors may be important. Several studies showed that alpha-2, adrenoceptor may related to feeding behavior with rat or lipolytic activity of human adipocyte tissue, they are related to body weight change. In the study, we try to test the possible relation of clozapine-induced weight gain and adrenergic receptor alpha 2a −1291C>G genetic polymorphism in a long term follow up (14.0 ± 6.2 months). Our results show the genotype GG (8.45 ± 7.2 Kg) with higher mean body weight gain than genotype CC (2.79 ± 6.1 Kg) (p = 0.023). The finding identify a genetic factor associated with clozapine-induced weight gain in schizophrenic patients.