In order to contribute to the elucidation of the molecular pathways involved in the pathogenesis of obesity, we used real time PCR to quantify the expression of the genes LEP, LEPR, IGF1 and IL10 and of the microRNAs: miR-27a, miR-27b, miR-143 and miR-145 in the abdominal subcutaneous fat, the liver and omentum of individuals with morbid obesity of the central type compared to non-obese individuals. This evidence concerns the gene LEP and obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.