Abstract
BackgroundIt is clear that genetic variations in the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene affect body mass index and the risk of obesity. Given the mounting evidence showing a positive association between obesity and pancreatic cancer, this study aimed to investigate the relation between variants in the FTO gene, obesity and pancreatic cancer risk.MethodsWe conducted a hospital-based case–control study in Japan to investigate whether genetic variations in the FTO gene were associated with pancreatic cancer risk. We genotyped rs9939609 in the FTO gene of 360 cases and 400 control subjects. An unconditional logistic model was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the association between rs9939609 and pancreatic cancer risk.ResultsThe minor allele frequency of rs9939609 was 0.18 among control subjects. BMI was not associated with pancreatic cancer risk. Compared with individuals with the common homozygous TT genotype, those with the heterozygous TA genotype and the minor homozygous AA genotype had a 48% (OR=1.48; 95%CI: 1.07–2.04), and 66% increased risk (OR=1.66; 95%CI: 0.70–3.90), respectively, of pancreatic cancer after adjustment for sex, age, body mass index, cigarette smoking and history of diabetes. The per-allele OR was 1.41 (95%CI: 1.07–1.85). There were no significant interactions between TA/AA genotypes and body mass index.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that rs9939609 in the FTO gene is associated with pancreatic cancer risk in Japanese subjects, possibly through a mechanism that is independent of obesity. Further investigation and replication of our results is required in other independent samples.
Highlights
It is clear that genetic variations in the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene affect body mass index and the risk of obesity
In a search of the literature for obesity-related genetic variants, we found that FTO rs9939609 was the most widely studied single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), and has been found to exert strong effects on body mass index (BMI), as well as diabetes
Current smokers had an approximately 2.9-fold increased risk of pancreatic cancer compared with nonsmokers, after adjustment for age, sex, BMI, and history of diabetes (OR=2.86; 95%confidence interval (CI): 1.79-4.57)
Summary
It is clear that genetic variations in the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene affect body mass index and the risk of obesity. Of the three studies that examined this association, only one case– control study, conducted at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in the United States, reported that the minor A allele of FTO, rs9939609, was associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer among overweight subjects [30]. Another two studies examined rs8050136 of the FTO gene, with one study reporting a positive association [31], and the other no association [32]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
