Objectives The 825T allele of the GNB3 gene is implicated in
adipose distribution, predisposing to obesity and
hypertension. Menopause is also considered a condition
leading to excess adiposity and hypertension. The aim of
the present study was to clarify whether the effects of
menopause on body weight and blood pressure are
influenced by the C825T polymorphism of the GNB3 gene.
Methods The study involved 1339 subjects (43% men) aged
18\u201395 years, undergoing, in an epidemiological populationbased
frame, questionnaire, anthropometrics, blood
examinations, genotyped at the GNB3 825 locus.
Results Mean skinfold thickness (MST), truncal obesity and
excess subcutaneous adiposity (MST greater than median)
were higher in women than in men. A significant interaction
was detected between menopausal status and the C825T
polymorphism (Pint>0.0001). MST, truncal obesity and
excess subcutaneous adiposity were lower in CC fertile
than menopausal women, but were comparable in TT fertile
and menopausal women. In a multivariate logistic model for
excess subcutaneous adiposity, the relative risk of
menopause was 4.12 (95% confidence interval 2.35\u20137.22)
in CC women but was insignificant in the other two
genotypes. In fertile women only, higher systolic blood
pressure (SBP) was detected in TT than in CC genotypes.
Conclusion An interaction exists between the C825T
polymorphism and menopause in controlling body
adiposity and blood pressure in women. Adiposity and
SBP are higher in menopausal than in fertile women,
provided they have the CC genotype. TT fertile women show
the same adiposity as those in menopause. Men have the
same excess adiposity as menopausal women,
independent of the GNB3 genotype
