👤 Panagiotis Antsaklis

Obesity is a multifaceted disorder influenced by various factors, with heredity being a significant contributor. Bariatric surgery is the most effective long-term intervention for morbid obesity and associated comorbidities, while outcomes vary significantly across individuals. Recent studies indicate that genetic and molecular determinants, particularly alterations in the leptin-melanocortin signalling pathway involving the fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO), pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R), leptin (LEP), and leptin receptor (LEPR), influence the efficacy of weight loss and metabolic adaptations post-surgery. This narrative review consolidates evidence from peer-reviewed papers available in PubMed and Scopus until July 2025. The emphasis was on novel research and systematic reviews examining genetic polymorphisms, gene-environment interactions, and outcomes following bariatric procedures such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Recent research emphasised the integration of genetic screening and precision medicine models into clinical bariatric workflows. Variants in FTO (e.g., rs9939609), MC4R (e.g., rs17782313), Show less

Turner syndrome, occurring in 1:2500 female births, is caused by the complete or partial absence of one X chromosome. Amniotic fluid supernatant proteins from five second trimester pregnancies with Turner syndrome fetuses and five normal ones were analyzed by 2DE, MALDI-TOF-MS, and Western blot. Serotransferin, lumican, plasma retinol-binding protein, and apolipoprotein A-I were increased in Turner syndrome, while kininogen, prothrombin, and apolipoprotein A-IV were decreased. Since differentially expressed proteins are likely to cross the placenta barrier and be detected in maternal plasma, proteomic analysis may enhance research for noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of Turner syndrome. Show less