Acceso usuarios
Indonesia
Malnutrition remains a major public health issue, with ongoing efforts to identify effective strategies for its prevention. However, the genetic factors influencing child growth, particularly the role of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) gene, have not been sufficiently explored. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between GHSR gene polymorphisms and nutritional status in children from West Java, Indonesia. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 110 children aged 12–59 months. Weight and height measurements were taken to determine weight-forage Z-scores (WAZ) and weight-for-height (WHZ), and dietary intake was assessed through a 24-hour food recall. Blood samples were collected for plasma extraction, and SNP analysis of the GHSR gene was performed using RT-PCR. The study revealed a high prevalence of underweight among the children, with 41.8% classified as underweight and 29.1% classified as wasted. A significant association was found between the TT genotype of the GHSR G57G polymorphism and lower WAZ compared to the CC and CT genotypes. This suggests that GHSR gene polymorphisms may play a role in malnutrition, specifically in influencing weight development. These findings highlight the potential influence of GHSR gene polymorphisms on nutritional status and child growth. Further research is needed to explore genetic factors contributing to malnutrition and to develop targeted interventions for improving child health outcomes.
