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Published on: June 2, 2015
Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms are associated with adiposity phenotypes
Heather M Ochs-Balcom1, Raj Chennamaneni, Amy E Millen
1Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA. hmochs2@buffalo.edu
Genetic variants in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene, specifically the rs3782905 SNP, are associated with body mass index, waist circumference, and abdominal height in women, suggesting a role in adiposity.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Endocrinology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Emerging research indicates the vitamin D receptor (VDR) is involved in lipogenesis and adipocyte differentiation.
- Understanding the genetic underpinnings of adiposity is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between VDR gene variants and adiposity phenotypes.
- To explore the relationship between VDR single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and body mass index, waist circumference, and abdominal height.
Main Methods:
- A study of 1773 healthy adult women from western New York.
- Genotyping for 14 VDR SNPs and measurement of adiposity phenotypes.
- Statistical analysis considering covariates like age, education, and lifestyle factors.
Main Results:
- One VDR SNP, rs3782905, showed a significant association with all three adiposity phenotypes after multiple-testing correction (Bonferroni P = 0.004).
- Women with the rare homozygous genotype for rs3782905 had a mean waist circumference 4.4 cm larger than those with the common homozygous genotype.
- Other VDR SNPs showed preliminary associations, but these did not withstand rigorous statistical correction.
Conclusions:
- The VDR gene, particularly 3' variants like rs3782905, may play a role in determining adiposity phenotypes.
- These findings support the biological activity of VDR in adipocyte differentiation and its potential influence on body composition.
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