Abstract
Background: Childhood obesity is a major health problem in Mexico. Obesity prevalence estimated by body mass index (BMI) is almost half than that estimated by percent body fat (%BF) in the Childhood Obesity pediatric cohort (COIPIS). Objective. We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of BMI and %BF in 828 children from the COIPIS to identify markers of predisposition to high values for both phenotypes used for obesity classification. Methods: For the GWAS we used the LAT Axiom 1, Affymetrix and 2.5 million single loci from the 1000 Genomes Phase 3 imputation panel. We used a linear model, adjusted by age, sex, and Amerindian ancestry assuming an additive inheritance model. Results. Genome-wide significance (p ≤ 5.0 × 10−8) and 80% of statistical power was reached for associations of two loci in two genes (CERS3 and CYP2E1) to BMI. Also, 11 loci in six genes (ANKS1B, ARNTL2, KCNS3, LMNB1, SRGAP3, TRPC7) reached genome-wide significance for associations to %BF, though not 80% of statistical power. Discussion: None of the SNPs were previously reported as being associated to BMI or %BF. In addition, different loci were found for BMI and %BF. These results highlight the importance of gaining deeper understanding of genetic markers of predisposition to high values for the phenotypes used for obesity diagnosis.
Highlights
Childhood obesity is associated with severe health problems and premature death [1]
Obesity cohort of the Healthy Childhood project (COIPIS) obesity prevalence estimated by percent body fat (%BF) was 43.7%, while it was 20.1% when estimated by body mass index (BMI) [3]
Based on the 15 most strongly associated loci, it was found that the genetic predisposition to high BMI in childhood was associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in adult life [8]
Summary
Childhood obesity is associated with severe health problems and premature death [1]. Mexico ranks as one of the first countries worldwide in childhood overweight/obesity with a mean national prevalence of 34.9% for school children [2]. Obesity cohort of the Healthy Childhood project (COIPIS) obesity prevalence estimated by percent body fat (%BF) was 43.7%, while it was 20.1% when estimated by body mass index (BMI) [3] It means that the diagnosis of obesity by BMI underestimated around 50% of children diagnosed with obesity by %BF [3]. We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of BMI and %BF in 828 children from the COIPIS to identify markers of predisposition to high values for both phenotypes used for obesity classification. Different loci were found for BMI and %BF These results highlight the importance of gaining deeper understanding of genetic markers of predisposition to high values for the phenotypes used for obesity diagnosis
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
