Interactive effects of FTO rs9939609 and obesogenic behavioral factors on adiposity-related anthropometric and metabolic phenotypes

Abstract

Numerous genetic variants have been linked to obesity predisposition, however, the interplay of genetic and behavioral factors is very crucial in determining the final phenotype. Therefore, this study examined the interactive effects of the FTO rs9939609 and various obesogenic behavioral factors on adiposity-related anthropometric and metabolic phenotypes in a sample of Pakistani population. A total of 612 participants encompassing 306 overweight/obese (cases) and an equal number (306) of age- and sex-matched normal-weight (controls) individuals were included in the study. Adiposity-related anthropometric parameters were collected by taking corresponding body measurements by following standard procedures. The metabolic parameters were assessed by performing corresponding biochemical assays. A standard questionnaire was devised for the collection of adiposity-related behavioral information. The FTO rs9939609 was genotyped by employing TaqMan allelic discrimination assay. The data was analyzed by using SPSS software. Interactive effects of the FTO rs9939609 and behavioral factors on obesity-related anthropometric and metabolic phenotypes were examined via linear regression by adjusting potential confounders and making correction for multiple comparisons. The results implied that the interaction between the FTO rs9939609 and low physical activity may significantly increase various adiposity-related anthropometric variables (p < 0.05). However, no such interactive effects were found on any adiposity-related metabolic variable. In conclusion, the interaction between the FTO rs9939609 and low physical activity may have a significant impact on obesity-related anthropometric traits in the Pakistani population.

Keywords:

• FTO
• rs9939609
• obesity
• anthropometry
• physical activity

Acknowledgments

We are thankful to Ms. Soma Rahmani, Mr. Saad Mirza, Ms. Ayesha Sultana, and Mr. Adil Anwar Bhatti for their assistance in sampling and data collection. We are also thankful to all the participants of the study.

Authors’ contributions

Sobia Rana contributed to the study concept and design, sample and data collection, analysis and interpretation of the data, and critical revision of the manuscript. Hina Nawaz performed the experiments, data analysis, interpretation, and drafted the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Data availability

All data produced or analyzed during the study is encompassed in this manuscript.

Disclosure statement

The authors declared that they have no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by an institutional (ICCBS) recurring grant.