Obesity-associated Gene Polymorphisms Research Articles

Učinak varijante gena FTO (rs17817449) i menopauze na krvni tlak u hipertenzivnih i normotenzivnih žena u Slovačkoj

This cross-sectional study examines the effect of fat mass and obesity-associated gene polymorphism (FTO) and menopause on blood pressure in Slovak midlife women. We assessed a total of 575 women ranging in age from 39 to 65 years. Data were analyzed using the univariate analysis of covariance to test the effect of risk FTO gene variant (G allele) and menopausal status (MS) on blood pressure in the hypertensive (HT) and normotensive (NT) women groups. A significant association was recorded between studied FTO gene variant and DBP (diastolic blood pressure) but only in HT women group (p = 0.044). Women possessing at least one risk allele (GG or GT) had slightly higher mean values of DBP than those without this allele. In the next step, our results showed a statistically significant association between MS and the FTO genotype and their common effect on SBP in NT women group (p = 0.002). The late pre-, perimenopausal G- allele carriers had lower SBP values in comparison with TT genotype carriers (estimated marginal means, 116.9 vs. 122.9 mm/Hg), while postmenopausal G- allele carriers had higher SBP values compared to TT genotype carriers (estimated marginal means, 120.7 vs. 114.1 mm/Hg). We did not notice any significant associations between FTO, menopause and DBP. Our findings indicate that FTO rs17817449 along with menopause are significant factors associated with systolic blood pressure in Slovak normotensive women.

The Effect of Association between Fat Mass and Obesity-associated Gene Polymorphism (rs9939609) on the Body Composition of Older People: A Systematic Review.

The aging population is growing faster than any other age group worldwide. Associated with aging, the prevalence of overweight and obesity is a potential risk factor for the development and aggravation of numerous pathologies. A genetic factor often associated with obesity is the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) (rs9939609) gene polymorphism, which has been extensively investigated in children, young, and adults. However, few studies have been carried out on the older population. This review aimed to verify the influence of the FTO (rs9939609) gene polymorphism on the body composition of the older population. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on PubMed, Scielo, and LILACS databases. Statistical analysis for meta-analysis was performed using mean values of Body Mass Index (BMI) and standard deviations. The results did not show significant differences between FTO genotypes and BMI values (-0.32, 95% CI -0.45 to -0.19, I2 = 0%, p = 0.52). However, 59% of the studies identified some influence on body composition, obesity, or comorbidities. Few publications verify FTO polymorphism effects on specific groups of the older population, suggesting a reduction in the influence of this gene on the BMI with advancing age. However, we believe that more controlled studies in older populations should be performed.

Association of FTO variant with parental history of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults.

To find out the association between fat mass and obesity-associated gene polymorphism and risk factors frequently associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The case-control study was conducted from January 2020 to March 2021 at the Ziauddin University, Karachi, and comprised deoxyribonucleic acid samples for fat mass and obesity-associated gene polymorphism from non-diabetic Pakistani population. Group A comprised non-diabetics with parental history of type 2 diabetes mellitus and Group B had controls without parental history of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Analysis was based on restriction fragment length polymorphism and polymerase chain reaction. Data was analysed using SPSS 25. Of the 150 subjects, 75(50%) each were in Group A and Group B. There were 40 (53.3%) males and 35 (46.7%) females in Group A compared to 35 (46.7%) males and 40(53.3%) females in Group B. Overall, 48% subjects were single and 52 % were married. A difference in frequency of fat mass and obesity-associated gene (rs9939609) alleles, such as TT, AA TA, was noted between the groups (p>0.999). TA allele was found to be associated with Group A (33) 44% (p=0.40), while TT allele was associated with Group B (41) 54% (p=0.414). AA allele was equally distributed between the groups (6) 8% (p=1.00). The TT allele of fat mass and obesity-associated gene was found to be an independent allele associated with the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The relationship between fat mass and obesity associated gene polymorphism rs9939609 and resting cerebral blood flow in a midlife sample with overweight and obesity.

BackgroundThe single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs9939609 in the fat mass and obesity associated fat mass and obesity associated gene (FTO) gene has been linked with increased BMI in adults. Higher BMI has been associated with poor brain health and may exert deleterious effects on neurocognitive health through cerebral hypoperfusion. However, it is unclear if there is a relationship between the FTO genotype and cerebral perfusion, or whether FTO genotype moderates the effects of weight loss on cerebral perfusion. Using data from a randomized controlled behavioral weight loss trial in adults with overweight and obesity, we tested (1) whether carriers of the A allele for FTO rs9939609 demonstrate different patterns of resting cerebral blood flow (rCBF) compared to T carriers, and (2) whether the FTO genotype moderates the effects of weight loss on rCBF. We hypothesized that carriers of the A allele would exhibit lower resting CBF in frontal brain areas compared to T/T homozygotes at baseline, and that intervention-induced weight loss may partially remediate these differences.Methods and resultsOne hundred and five adults (75.2% female, mean age 44.9 years) with overweight or obesity were included in the analyses. These participants represent a subsample of participants in a larger randomized controlled trial (NCT01500356). A resting pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL) scan was acquired to examine rCBF. Age, sex, and BMI were included as covariates. At baseline, A carriers had greater rCBF in a diffuse cluster extending into the brainstem, motor cortex, and occipital lobe, but lower perfusion in the temporal lobe. We found no evidence that FTO moderated the effect of the intervention group assignment on rCBF changes.ConclusionOverall, these results indicate that (a) individual variation in rCBF within a sample with overweight and obesity may be attributed to a common FTO variant, but (b) a weight loss intervention is effective at increasing rCBF, regardless of FTO genotype.

The Association of Fat-Mass-and Obesity-Associated Gene Polymorphism (rs9939609) With Colorectal Cancer: A Case-Control Study.

Background and AimThe association between the rs9939609 polymorphism of fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) and risk of colorectal cancer is controversial. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between FTO rs9939609 polymorphism and colorectal cancer (CRC) in Iranian people.MethodsA case-control study was conducted on 125 patients with CRC and 250 healthy subjects in Tehran, Iran. Demographic data and blood samples were collected from all participants. Genotyping of rs9939609 polymorphism was performed by the tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (T-ARMS-PCR) method.ResultsThe occurrence of AA genotype of FTO rs9939609 polymorphism in the colorectal cancer patients was significantly higher compared to that of healthy subjects (16.4 vs. 2.9%, respectively, P=0.02). The association between the frequency of risk allele of the FTO polymorphism and CRC (B=1.67, P=0.042) remained significant after adjustment for age. Further adjustment for gender (model 2) and marital status (model 3) did not change this result (B=1.67, P= 0.042 and B=1.67, P=0.043, respectively). The results remained significant after additional adjustment for ethnicity (B=1.57, P= 0.047).ConclusionWe found a positive association between the A allele of the rs9939609 polymorphism and CRC. Future studies are required to identify the underlying mechanisms.

Postmenopausal estrogen receptor positive breast cancer and obesity associated gene variants.

Obesity is one of the most important health risks in postmenopausal women. Molecular pathways that are connected with obesity are believed to interact with the pathogenesis of breast cancer (BC). The aim of this research was to study the polymorphisms of two obesity-associated genes ADIPOQ and FTO that are also related to the pathogenesis of BC. Obesity-associated gene polymorphisms ADIPOQ rs1501299 and rs2241766, and FTO rs1477196, rs7206790, rs8047395, and rs9939609 were studied in 101 Turkish postmenopausal estrogen receptor-positive BC patients and 100 healthy control individuals. ADIPOQ rs1501299 was detected to be associated with protection against BC. The ADIPOQ rs1501299 TT genotype, the rs2241766 GT genotype and the G allele were found to be significantly higher in the control group. In addition, ADIPOQ rs1501299 polymorphism was protective in the recessive model and rs2241766 polymorphism was protective in the dominant model. While none of the FTO gene polymorphisms were found to be associated with BC, the frequencies of rs9939609 A allele and rs7206790 G allele were correlated with body mass index (BMI) in BC patients. ADIPOQ rs1501299 TT genotype, rs2241766 GT genotype, and G allele might be protective against BC in the Turkish population but this conclusion needs to be further verified.

Association of fat mass and obesity associated gene polymorphism with the risk of gestational diabetes

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between fat mass and obesity associated (FTO) gene polymorphism and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and provide clues and basis for the study of GDM mechanism. Methods: The case group of GDM pregnant women who delivered at the First Affiliated Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from March 1, 2012 to July 30, 2014 were selected, and matched the control group among non-GDM pregnant women by age, gestational age and residential address, and 324 cases and 318 controls were finally included. DNA was extracted and genotyped, and min P test and unconditional logistic regression model were used to estimate the relationship between FTO gene polymorphism and GDM. Results: At gene level, we did not find the association between FTO and the risk of GDM (P>0.05). After adjusted for family history of diabetes, pre-pregnancy body mass index and multiple comparisons using false discovery rate method, unconditional logistic regression analysis showed that pregnant women who carried the rs11075995 TT genotype (OR=0.59, 95%CI: 0.35-0.89), rs3826169 GG genotype (OR=0.59, 95%CI: 0.35-0.88), and rs74245270 GA genotype (OR=0.69, 95%CI: 0.49-0.98), GA or AA genotype(OR=0.70, 95%CI: 0.50-0.97) had reduced risk of GDM. However, pregnant women who carried the rs74018601 GA genotype (OR=1.51, 95%CI: 1.07-2.12), GA or AA genotype (OR=1.46, 95%CI: 1.06-2.02), rs7205009 AA genotype (OR=1.83, 95%CI: 1.18-2.86), GA or AA genotype (OR=1.53, 95%CI: 1.08-2.19), and rs9888758 AG genotype (OR=1.43, 95%CI: 1.02-2.00) had elevated risk of GDM. Conclusion: The polymorphisms of FTO gene rs11075995,rs3826169, rs74245270, rs74018601, rs7205009 and rs9888758 were associated with the risk of GDM.

Fat mass and obesity-associated gene polymorphisms, pre-diagnostic plasma adipokine levels and the risk of colorectal cancer: The Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study.

Although their functional outcomes remain largely unknown, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) may interact with adipokines, especially leptin and adiponectin, to modify the risk of colorectal cancer. We conducted a prospective study of 375 colorectal cancer cases and 750 matched controls to examine the effects of SNPs in the FTO, either alone or in interaction with pre-diagnostic plasma adipokine levels. Using a conditional logistic regression model, we obtained odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of colorectal cancer. Seven SNPs in strong linkage disequilibrium demonstrated a similarly positive association with colorectal cancer, and most evidently for rs1558902, rs8050136, rs3751812, and rs9939609 (Ptrend = 0.02). Of interest, we observed a statistically significant interaction of rs8050136 with plasma total adiponectin levels (Pinteraction = 0.03). Compared to non-carriers in the lowest quintile of plasma total adiponectin, A allele carriers in the same quintile showed a considerably elevated risk of colorectal cancer, with a body mass index-adjusted OR of 2.54 (95% CI, 1.36–4.75). This investigation of the interaction between SNPs in the FTO and pre-diagnostic plasma adipokine levels has revealed the importance of both genetic and hormonal factors associated with adiposity in colorectal carcinogenesis.

The association of the common fat mass and obesity associated gene polymorphisms with type 2 diabetes in obese Iraqi population

Background & objectivesThis study investigates the association of two potential Fat mass and obesity associated gene (FTO) gene polymorphisms (rs9939609 and rs918031) as potential predictors of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in obese Iraqi population and their metabolic effects on hyperglycemia and insulin sensitivity. Materials & methodsThe study included 400 participants with obesity & T2D, with a matching 400 obese non-diabetic cohort. Venous blood samples were collected for DNA extraction. Using specific primers and restriction enzymes, genotyping was performed to identify the various alleles for each gene. The genotype and allele frequencies determined by multinomial logistic regression analysis for FTO single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs9939609) among all the study groups. ResultsThere is a two-fold increase in the risk of T2D within the homozygous genotype (TT) group (OR = 2.43, CI 95% 3.57–11.2, P ≤ 0.001) as compared to the wild type (TA). In addition, there was a significantly higher level of the minor allele genotype (T) in T2D patients when compared to the control group, (P ≤ 0.001). ConclusionWe conclude that the FTO rs9939609 genotype significantly affect the development of insulin resistance, therefore the future occurrence of T2D, in obese individuals.

The relationship between fat mass and obesity-associated gene polymorphism and obesity among children in China: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene has been shown to be associated with obesity in different populations. However, this association in the Chinese population has been controversial. We evaluated the association of the FTO rs9939609 gene polymorphism with the risk of overweight and obesity in Chinese children and adolescents in a systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and two electronic Chinese databases (CBM, CNKI). Two authors screened abstracts, full-texts, and extracted data according to the prespecified inclusion criteria. A modified STREGA score was used for quality assessment. A random-effects and fixed-effects model was used to conduct the measure the association between FTO gene and obesity. Ten studies including 12,879 participants were included. The FTO rs9939609 gene polymorphism was associated with a statistically significant increased risk of obesity or overweight in Han Chinese children and adolescents (P < 0.05), but absent in the Zhuang and Hazakh Chinese population (P > 0.05). The pooled OR for the codominant genetic model between AA and TT was 1.79 (95% confidence interval: 1.34–2.39, P < 0.0001). Allele A carriers were at greater risk of obesity and overweight compared to noncarriers. Screening for FTO rs9939609 gene polymorphism might help to identify adolescents at risk of developing obesity and consider appropriate prevention strategies.

ASSOCIATION OF OBESITY WITH RS1421085 AND RS9939609 POLYMORPHISMS OF FTO GENE WITH T2DM IN EGYPTIAN FEMALES

Objective: Obesity has been described as a worldwide increasing health problem and risk factor of various disorders including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). So, our study aim to determine of common variants of fat mass and obesity associated gene polymorphisms rs1421085 and rs 9939609; confers risk of obesity and type 2 diabetic mellitus in Egyptian females.Methods: In this population rs1421085 and rs9939609 polymorphisms of fat mass and obesity (FTO) gene were genotyped in 105 obese patients and 100 healthy controls with ages 14-60 y were collected from Medicine Specialized Hospital, Mansoura University, Egypt during the period between Jul.-Oct. 2016, genotyping of SNPs was performed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay, fasting blood glucose, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA IR), body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) lipid profile was determined.Results: There was the significantly higher frequency of the AA compared to controls p=0.0001) of genotypers9939609. Also, cases have shown a significantly higher frequency of the C allele, p&lt;0.00001) of rs1421085 genotype polymorphisms increased the risks of obesity. On the other hand, there were no significant correlations between genotypes and obesity-related (anthropometric body composition) parameters. Only the fasting blood glucose was significantly higher in the TA p=0.004).Conclusion: The FTO rs9939609 and rs1421085 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was associated with increased risk of obesity in type 2 diabetic populations on Egyptian females.

A fat mass and obesity-associated gene polymorphism influences fat mass in exercise-trained individuals

BackgroundA single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene is a strong predictor of obesity in humans. The FTO SNP (rs1421085) results in a T to C nucleotide substitution that may result in an increased risk for obesity in individuals who carry at least one C allele. The purpose of this investigation was to characterize the FTO genotype in a cohort of exercise-trained men and women.MethodsWe tested 108 exercise-trained individuals that included professional mixed martial arts fighters, competitive distance runners, collegiate swimmers, stand-up paddlers as well as a cohort of recreational bodybuilders. Body composition was assessed via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Saliva samples were collected in order to genotype participants and quantify cortisol levels.ResultsThe physical characteristics of the subjects were as follows (mean±SD): body weight 74.5±15.6 kg; height 171.5±9.5 cm; bone mineral content 2.8±0.7 kg; fat mass 15.7±5.5 kg; lean body mass 55.9±14.4 kg; % body fat 21.6±7.0. Independent samples t tests showed that C allele carriers (n = 54) had significantly higher fat mass t(106) = 3.13, p < 0.01 and body fat percentage t(106) = 2.68, p < 0.01, relative to the TT group (n = 54) (i.e., fat mass: C/− 17.3 ±5.6 kg, TT 14.2±4.6 kg; body fat percentage: C/− group 23.4±7.4%, TT group 19.9±6.2). No other measures of body composition were associated with the FTO genotype (i.e., body mineral density, bone mineral content, or lean body mass). Moreover, cortisol levels were significantly higher in the TT group relative to the C allele carriers t(106) = 2.37, p = 0.02 (i.e., TT 0.35 ±0.35 μg/dL, C/− 0.22±0.16 μg/dL).ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate a relationship between C allele carriers on the FTO gene and a predisposition to a higher fat mass and body fat percentage. In addition, we found no relationship between cortisol and fat mass. However, due to the cross-sectional nature of this investigation, we cannot infer causality regarding the FTO gene and body composition.

Adolescent obesity and the role of the fat mass and obesity-associated gene polymorphism.

The association between fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene and obesity is unclear in both adults and adolescents. The aim of this study was to examine the role of the FTO gene variant rs9939609 as a candidate gene for obesity and the relationship between insulin resistance (IR), metabolic syndrome (MetS), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). Obese adolescents (n=100) and healthy controls (n=100) were included. Rs9939609 polymorphism in the FTO gene was genotyped by PCR-SNaPshot. The prevalence of insulin resistance (IR), metabolic syndrome (MetS) and hyperfiltration were 47%, 60% and 27%, respectively. There were no significant differences in genotype and allele frequencies between obese adolescents and controls; however, prevalence of MetS in female patients with A allele carriers was more frequent and prevalence of hyperfiltration was less frequent with T allele carriers (P.

The interaction of fat mass and obesity associated gene polymorphisms and dietary fiber intake in relation to obesity phenotypes

Controversies surrounding the effectiveness of fiber intake for prevention of obesity can be attributed to differences in the genetic makeup of individuals. This study aims to examining the interaction between dietary fiber intake and common fat mass and obesity–associated (FTO) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), in relation to obesity. Subjects of this nested case-control study were selected from among adult participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. Cases (n = 627) were individually matched with controls, who had normal weight. Six selected SNPs (rs1421085, rs1121980, rs17817449, rs8050136, rs9939973, and rs3751812) were genotyped by tetra-refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction analysis. Genetic risk scores (GRS) were calculated using the weighted method. A significant interaction was observed between total fiber intake and the GRS in relation to obesity (Pinteraction = 0.01); the difference in the risk for obesity was more pronounced in individuals with GRS ≥ 6 who consumed ≥ 14 grams of fiber a day (OR: 2.74, CI: 2.40–3.35 vs Ref.; P trend = 0.0005) than in individuals with GRS < 6 (P trend = 0.34). Dietary fiber intakes modified the association of FTO SNPs and the GRS with general obesity, an effect which was more pronounced in those who consumed high levels of dietary fiber and had a high number of risk alleles.

Association of fatty acid-binding protein 2 and fat mass and obesity-associated gene polymorphism with primary open-angle glaucoma

PURPOSE:The present study was carried out to investigate the association of fatty acid-binding protein 2 (FABP2) and fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene polymorphism with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) cases and controls.MATERIALS AND METHODS:This study includes 122 POAG cases and 112 controls. FABP2 and FTO gene polymorphisms in cases and controls were evaluated by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method.RESULTS:The mean ages were 49.88 ± 12.34 and 53.74 ± 11.87 years in POAG cases and control groups, respectively. The FABP2 gene AA, AT, TT genotype frequencies were 12.90%, 62.40%, 24.80% in POAG cases and 20.60%, 64.70%, 14.70% in healthy controls, respectively. The frequencies of A and T allele in POAG cases were 44.06% and 55.94% as compared to 52.94% and 47.06% in the controls. The FTO gene AA, AT, TT genotype frequencies were 2.00%, 79.20%, 18.80% in cases and 0%, 75.50%, 24.50% in healthy controls, respectively. The frequencies of A and T allele in POAG cases were 41.58% and 58.42% as compared to 37.75% and 62.25% in the controls. No significant difference in the frequencies of FABP2 and FTO genotype was found between POAG cases and controls.CONCLUSION:We could not identify the possible association of FABP2 and FTO gene polymorphism with POAG; however, further studies with larger sample size in different population are require to clarify the role of FABP2 and FTO genes in susceptibility to POAG.

Correlations among obesity-associated gene polymorphisms, body composition, and physical activity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Context:Various studies have focused on the correlation between β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR), the β3-adrenergic receptor (β3AR), and the uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) polymorphisms and obesity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Aims:We examined the correlation between these polymorphisms and body composition variables and between body composition and lifestyle variables in Japanese T2DM patients.Materials and Methods:Of the 48, T2DM outpatients in Kanagawa prefecture recruited for participation, 32 (6 men and 26 women) met the study criteria and were enrolled. Obesity-related gene polymorphisms were identified in 3 genes β3AR, UCP1, and β2AR using the SMart amplification process. Body composition variables were measured using a body composition analyzer. Data regarding food and nutrient consumption, family history, and lifestyle factors were collected via administration of questionnaires.Results:Because significant differences in body composition variables were found between men and women, statistical analysis was performed with data from the 25 female subjects only. On the basis of results of genetic testing, the subjects were divided into genotype groups for two-group and three-group comparison. The β3AR, UCP1, and β2AR polymorphisms and body composition significantly correlated with the percentage of subcutaneous fat in both arms as compared with the wild type or hetero groups with β3AR polymorphisms. However, physical activity correlated with several body composition variables.Conclusions:These results suggest that obesity in T2DM patients is not the result of presence of an obesity-related gene polymorphism but rather the absence of daily physical activity.

Fat-mass and obesity-associated gene polymorphisms and weight gain after risperidone treatment in first episode schizophrenia.

BackgroundObesity induced by antipsychotics severely increases the risk of many diseases and significantly reduces quality of life. Genome Wide Association Studies has identified fat-mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene associated with obesity. The relationship between the FTO gene and drug-induced obesity is unclear.MethodTwo hundred and fifty drug naïve, Chinese Han patients with first-episode schizophrenia were enrolled in the study, and genotyped for four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs rs9939609, rs8050136, rs1421085 and rs9930506) by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and direct sequencing. Body weight and body mass index (BMI) were measured at baseline and six months after risperidone treatment.ResultsAt baseline, body weight and BMI of TT homozygotes were lower than those of A allele carriers in rs9939609; body weight of AA homozygotes was higher than those of G allele carriers in rs9930506 (p’s < 0.05). After 6 months of risperidone treatment, body weight and BMI of TT homozygotes were lower than those of A allele carriers in rs9939609 (p’s <0.01); body weight and BMI of CC homozygotes were lower than those of A allele carriers in rs8050136 (p’s < 0.05); body weight of AA homozygotes was higher than those of G allele carriers in rs9930506 (p’s < 0.05). After controlling for age, gender, age of illness onset, disease duration, weight at baseline and education, weight gain of TT homozygotes at 6 months remained to be lower than those of A allele carriers in rs9939609 (p < 0.01); weight gain of CC homozygotes at 6 months was lower than those of A allele carriers in rs8050136 (p = 0.01). Stepwise multiple regression analysis suggested that, among 4 SNPs, rs9939609 was the strongest predictor of weight gain after 6 months of risperidone treatment (p = 0.001).ConclusionsThe FTO gene polymorphisms, especially rs9939609, seem to be related to weight gain after risperidone treatment in Chinese Han patients with first episode schizophrenia.

A preliminary association study of fat mass and obesity associated gene polymorphisms and degenerative disc disease in a Chinese Han population

To assess whether polymorphisms of the fat mass and obesity associated gene (FTO) are associated with the presence and severity of degenerative disc disease (DDD) in a Chinese Han population. In this case-control study, patients with DDD and controls matched for age, sex and body mass index were genotyped for six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of FTO. Disease severity was measured using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score. Allelic, genotypic and genotype-phenotype association analyses were performed. A total of 80 patients with DDD and 80 controls were studied. All six SNPs were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The frequencies of allele G and genotype G/G of the SNP rs11076008 were significantly associated with DDD after Bonferroni correction. No associations were shown between the SNPs studied and sex or disease severity. The SNP rs11076008 of FTO may play an important role in the development of DDD in a Chinese Han population. The G/G genotype and/or G allele may be a risk factor for DDD. These results suggest that FTO is a DDD predisposition gene and may support a close relationship between obesity and DDD.

Fat mass and obesity-associated gene polymorphisms do not affect metabolic response to hormone therapy in healthy postmenopausal women

To determine whether fat mass and obesity-associated gene polymorphisms rs9939609 T>A and rs8050136 A>C or their haplotypes influence anthropometric and metabolic variables in recently postmenopausal women receiving hormone therapy. In this randomized crossover study carried out in a university clinic, 86 postmenopausal women consulting for symptoms of estrogen deficiency were genotyped by real-time polymerase chain reaction for single nucleotide polymorphisms rs9939609 T>A and rs8050136 A>C of the fat mass and obesity-associated gene. Haplotypes were constructed from the combination of polymorphisms rs9939609 and rs8050136, and their frequencies were inferred using the PHASE 2.1.1 program. Participants were clinically evaluated before and after 6 months of hormone therapy to determine body mass index (current kg/m(2)) and waist circumference, blood pressure, lipid profile (total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides) plasma glucose (oral glucose tolerance test), and insulin. Blood samples were also drawn for ultra sensitive C reactive protein. The lipid accumulation product index was calculated as (waist [cm] - 58) × triglyceride concentration (mmol/L). Non-normally distributed parameters were log10 transformed before statistical analysis. Measurements at baseline and at follow-up were compared with ANOVA for repeated measures. Data were considered significant at P<0.05. In women with the homozygous polymorphic AA genotype of the single nucleotide polymorphisms rs9939609 and the wild AA genotype of the single nucleotide polymorphisms rs8050136, lipid accumulation product index and ultra sensitive C reactive protein were higher before hormone therapy in comparison with women with other genotypes from the same single nucleotide polymorphisms group. There was no worsening of any of the anthropometric or metabolic variables, and lipid accumulation product index improved slightly after hormone therapy in SNP rs9939609 (P=0.03) and haplotype AAAA. No changes were observed after hormone therapy in SNP rs8050136. The presence of fat mass and obesity-associated gene risk variants in healthy early postmenopausal women does not adversely affect their response to hormone therapy.