Aerobic Fitness Does Not Modify the Effect of FTO Variation on Body Composition Traits

Antti Huuskonen,Niku Oksala,Matti Santtila,Keijo Häkkinen,Heikki Kyröläinen,Jani Lappalainen,Mustafa Atalay,Alejandro Lucia

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0051635

Abstract

PurposePoor physical fitness and obesity are risk factors for all cause morbidity and mortality. We aimed to clarify whether common genetic variants of key energy intake determinants in leptin (LEP), leptin receptor (LEPR), and fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) are associated with aerobic and neuromuscular performance, and whether aerobic fitness can alter the effect of these genotypes on body composition.Methods846 healthy Finnish males of Caucasian origin were genotyped for FTO (rs8050136), LEP (rs7799039) and LEPR (rs8179183 and rs1137101) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and studied for associations with maximal oxygen consumption, body fat percent, serum leptin levels, waist circumference and maximal force of leg extensor muscles.ResultsGenotype AA of the FTO SNP rs8050136 associated with higher BMI and greater waist circumference compared to the genotype CC. In general linear model, no significant interaction for FTO genotype-relative VO2max (mL·kg−1·min−1) or FTO genotype-absolute VO2max (L·min−1) on BMI or waist circumference was found. Main effects of aerobic performance on body composition traits were significant (p<0.001). Logistic regression modelling found no significant interaction between aerobic fitness and FTO genotype. LEP SNP rs7799039, LEPR SNPs rs8179183 and rs1137101 did not associate with any of the measured variables, and no significant interactions of LEP or LEPR genotype with aerobic fitness were observed. In addition, none of the studied SNPs associated with aerobic or neuromuscular performance.ConclusionsAerobic fitness may not modify the effect of FTO variation on body composition traits. However, relative aerobic capacity associates with lower BMI and waist circumference regardless of the FTO genotype. FTO, LEP and LEPR genotypes unlikely associate with physical performance.

Highlights

Obesity and low physical fitness frequently associate with each other, and are individual risk factors for many pathological conditions and cardiovascular mortality [1,2]
Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) represent the most common type of genetic variation in the human genome [7]. It is not known whether genetic variants in genes encoding fat and obesity-associated (FTO), leptin (LEP), and leptin receptor (LEPR) associate with physical performance, and whether fitness level modifies the risk for obesity associated with these gene variants
None of the SNPs were associated with earlier physical activity estimated with international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ)

Summary

Introduction

Obesity and low physical fitness frequently associate with each other, and are individual risk factors for many pathological conditions and cardiovascular mortality [1,2]. The effects of behavioural factors on human performance, including physical activity and dietary habits have been widely studied, yet knowledge on genetic background is sparse. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) represent the most common type of genetic variation in the human genome [7]. It is not known whether genetic variants in genes encoding fat and obesity-associated (FTO), leptin (LEP), and leptin receptor (LEPR) associate with physical performance, and whether fitness level modifies the risk for obesity associated with these gene variants

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