Determination of the relationship between leptin,anaplactic lymphoma kinase (ALK), CD-44 levels and leptin reseptor gene polymorphism in obesity formation

Obesity is a multifactorial disease influenced by environmental and genetic factors and has become increasingly prevalent in all countries over the past few years. The World Health Organization (WHO), based on numerous clinical studies, estimates that obesity affects approximately 20% of the global population. The rise in the prevalence of obesity and overweight cases is attributed to the consumption of high-energy foods and a reduction in energy expenditure in daily personal and occupational activities. The development of obesity is influenced by genetic, environmental, sociocultural, and behavioral factors. It is estimated that heredity has a greater effect on body weight within normal limits than on obesity itself. When evaluated as a whole, it is understood that genes account for approximately 25% to 40% of the etiology of obesity. Recently, several gene defects have been identified to be associated with obesity. These defects include mutations in the leptin gene, melanocortin receptor, cleavage enzyme, and PPAR gamma (a transcription factor). The ALK gene, known as an oncogene frequently mutated in various types of cancer and involved in tumor progression, has also been suggested to play a separate role in triggering weight gain. Deletion of the ALK gene, as shown in flies and mice, may reduce body weight and fat mass, highlighting its potential role in combating obesity. Additionally, CD-44, a cell adhesion molecule known to increase during inflammation, wound healing, and obesity-related hepatosteatosis, may serve as a variable parameter in the process of obesity. The aim of our study is to evaluate the relationship of leptin, ALK, and CD-44 levels, as well as leptin polymorphism, with obesity in individuals with low, normal, and high body mass index (BMI). There are studies suggesting that any defect or polymorphism in the gene activity of these parameters may influence the development of obesity