Abstract
Objective. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of GHRL (rs696217) and LEPR (rs1137101) gene polymorphisms on weight loss dynamics and endocrine marker changes following various bariatric procedures.
Patients and Methods. A total of 76 patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), gastric plication (LGCP), and gastric artery embolization (GAE) were genotyped for GHRL (rs696217) and LEPR (rs1137101). Body mass index (BMI), total weight loss (TWL), excess weight loss (EWL), and hormonal markers (ghrelin, leptin, adiponectin, resistin, HbA1c) were assessed preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.
Results. Carriers of the T allele of GHRL (rs696217) experienced significantly greater reductions in BMI, TWL, and EWL, particularly following LSG and GAE (p<0.05). A notable reduction in total ghrelin levels was observed in T allele carriers (up to –46.75%, p<0.001) 6 months after surgery. Improvements in resistin (p=0.0002) and HbA1c (p=0.014) levels were also more pronounced in this group. LEPR (rs1137101) polymorphism showed limited impact on outcomes after LGCP, but it was associated with improved TWL and EWL in A allele carriers after LSG (p=0.006 and p=0.016, respectively).
Conclusion. The T allele of GHRL (rs696217) appears to be a promising predictive marker for greater metabolic and hormonal improvement following bariatric procedures targeting the ghrelin-producing stomach zones. LEPR (rs1137101) may also influence postoperative outcomes in a procedure-specific manner. These findings support the potential role of genetic screening in optimizing patient selection and predicting surgical success.