Effect of the variant rs602662 of FUT2 gene on anthropometric and metabolic parameters in a Caucasian obese population.

Abstract

Some obese subjects with genetic variants of FUT2 gene could be implied in metabolic disorders. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the association between SNP rs602662 in FUT2 gene with different obesity markers. 166 Caucasian obese subjects were enrolled. Anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, insulin concentration, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), lipid profile, C reactive protein and prevalence of metabolic syndrome were recorded. The genotype of FUT2 gene polymorphism (rs602662) was evaluated. The genotype distribution of the rs602662 variant was the following: 29.5% (n=49) (GG), 47.6% (n=79) (GA) and 22.9% (n=38) (AA). We observed statistical differences between both genotypes (GG+GA vs. AA) in BMI (Delta: 0.4±0.01 kg/m2: p=0.04), fat mass (Delta: 3.7±0.3 kg: p=0.02), body weight (Delta: 5.9±0.4 kg: p=0.02), waist circumference (Delta: 7.3+0.9 cm: p=0.03), glucose (Delta: 5.5±0.4 mg/dl: p=0.04), triglycerides (Delta: 25.9±1.4 mg/dl: p=0.01), HDL-cholesterol (Delta: -5.7±1.2 mg/dl: p=0.02), insulin (Delta: 5.0±0.9 mUI/L: p=0.02) and HOMA-IR (Delta: 1.4±0.1 units: p=0.03) levels. Percentages of metabolic syndrome, central obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL cholesterol and hyperglycemia were lower in AA obese subjects than GG+GA. Logistic regression analysis showed a decreased risk of metabolic syndrome in AA subjects (OR=0.28, 95% CI=0.11-0.71, p=0.01). AA genotype of FUT2 rs602662 is associated with lower BMI and a better metabolic profile than subjects with GG+GA genotypes.