Weight change in monozygotic twins treated with valproate

Obes Res. 2005 Aug;13(8):1330-4. doi: 10.1038/oby.2005.161.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate whether genetic factors contribute to weight gain associated with valproate (VPA) therapy.

Research methods and procedures: We retrospectively and prospectively evaluated five pairs of monozygotic twins concordant for epilepsy and treated with VPA regarding weight course.

Results: In all twin pairs, both twins showed similar weight courses under therapy with VPA.

Discussion: These results suggest that genetic factors may have an influence on the weight change induced by VPA. Further studies are necessary to obtain heritability estimates regarding this effect of VPA therapy and to identify the relevant genes.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anticonvulsants / adverse effects*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diseases in Twins / drug therapy*
  • Diseases in Twins / genetics
  • Diseases in Twins / pathology*
  • Epilepsy / drug therapy*
  • Epilepsy / genetics
  • Epilepsy / pathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Obesity / etiology
  • Obesity / genetics
  • Obesity / pathology
  • Risk Factors
  • Twins, Monozygotic* / genetics
  • Valproic Acid / adverse effects*
  • Weight Gain / drug effects*

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Valproic Acid