Associations ofFTOandMC4RVariants with Obesity Traits in Indians and the Role of Rural/Urban Environment as a Possible Effect Modifier

[摘要] Few studies have investigated the association between genetic variation and obesity traits in Indian populations or the role of environmental factors as modifiers of these relationships. In the context of rapid urbanisation, resulting in significant lifestyle changes, understanding the aetiology of obesity is important. We investigated associations ofFTOandMC4Rvariants with obesity traits in 3390 sibling pairs from four Indian cities, most of whom were discordant for current dwelling (rural or urban). TheFTOvariant rs9939609 predicted increased weight (0.09 Z-scores, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.15) and BMI (0.08 Z-scores, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.14). TheMC4Rvariant rs17782313 was weakly associated with weight and hip circumference (P<.05). There was some indication that the association betweenFTOand weight was stronger in urban than that in rural dwellers (Pfor interaction = .03), but no evidence for effect modification by diet or physical activity. Further studies are needed to investigate ways in which urban environment may modify genetic risk of obesity.

[学科分类] 内分泌与代谢学