Diabetes-specific genetic effects on obesity traits in American Indian populations: the Strong Heart Family Study
2008

Genetic Effects on Obesity in American Indians with Diabetes

Sample size: 976 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Franceschini Nora, Almasy Laura, MacCluer Jean W, Göring Harald HH, Cole Shelley A, Diego Vincent P, Laston Sandra, Howard Barbara V, Lee Elisa T, Best Lyle G, Fabsitz Richard R, North Kari E

Primary Institution: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

Hypothesis

The study aims to localize genetic effects on obesity traits in American Indians while accounting for diabetes status.

Conclusion

Distinct genetic effects on body mass were found in individuals with diabetes compared to those without, particularly linked to a gene on chromosome 1.

Supporting Evidence

  • 57% of participants were obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2).
  • 26% of participants had diabetes.
  • Diabetic individuals had higher mean weight, BMI, WHR, and percentage of body fat than non-diabetic individuals.
  • A QTL for weight was identified on chromosome 1 at 242 cM.
  • The adiponectin receptor 1 gene is located in the identified QTL region.

Takeaway

This study found that some genes affecting weight are different for people with diabetes compared to those without it, especially in American Indians.

Methodology

The study used genome-wide linkage scans and variance component linkage analysis to identify genetic influences on obesity traits.

Limitations

The findings are limited to American Indian populations and may not be generalizable to other ethnic groups.

Participant Demographics

Participants were American Indians from Arizona, North and South Dakota, and Oklahoma, with a mean age of 42 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2350-9-90

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