FFAR1 Gene and Body Composition
Author Information
Author(s): Celia G. Walker, Louis Goff, Les J. Bluck, Bruce A. Griffin, Susan A. Jebb, Julie A. Lovegrove, Thomas A. B. Sanders, Gary S. Frost
Primary Institution: Elsie Widdowson Laboratory, MRC Human Nutrition Research, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Hypothesis
How do common SNPs of the FFAR1 gene affect BMI, body composition, and plasma lipids in overweight subjects?
Conclusion
Common SNPs in the FFAR1 gene are associated with differences in body composition and lipids, but these differences are not mediated by changes in insulin sensitivity or beta-cell function.
Supporting Evidence
- SNPs of the FFAR1 gene region were associated with differences in body composition and lipids.
- The effects of the 3 SNPs combined were cumulative on BMI, body composition, and total cholesterol.
- Carriage of the G allele of rs2301151 was associated with a higher body fat percentage.
- Carriage of the C allele of rs1573611 was associated with a higher BMI and body fat.
- Accumulated risk alleles showed a lower beta cell function on increasing plasma fatty acids.
- Associations with lipids did not remain significant when accounting for multiple comparisons.
- Gender-specific effects were observed for waist circumference in relation to rs1573611.
Takeaway
This study looked at how certain genes might change body weight and fat in people who are overweight. It found that some gene changes can affect body fat and cholesterol levels.
Methodology
The study used data from the RISCK cohort, which included overweight subjects at increased cardiometabolic risk, and analyzed the effects of three common SNPs of the FFAR1 gene on various metabolic traits.
Potential Biases
There may be bias due to the predominance of females among those homozygous for the risk allele.
Limitations
The study's findings may not be generalizable due to the small number of homozygous subjects for the SNPs studied and the potential influence of gender bias.
Participant Demographics
The study included 720 overweight participants, predominantly Caucasian, with an ethnic mix of 81% White, 9% South-Southeast Asian, 7% Black African, and 3% other.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.009 for BMI and p=0.002 for body fat
Confidence Interval
95% CI for fasting insulin: [53.3, 64.4]
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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