FTO gene polymorphisms and obesity risk: a meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Obesity Research
• Population Health

Background:

• Obesity pathogenesis is linked to variations in the fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO).
• Increasing reports necessitate precise effect size determination across ethnic groups.
• Ethnic-specific associations with FTO single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) require clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a meta-analysis on the association between five FTO polymorphisms and obesity risk.
• To consolidate evidence from existing studies and provide robust estimates of effect sizes.
• To address confusion regarding ethnic-specific FTO SNP associations.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, and BIOSIS Previews.
• Meta-analysis of 59 case-control studies (41,734 cases, 69,837 controls) using random effects models.
• Estimation of per-allele odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Main Results:

• Significant associations found between obesity risk and five FTO polymorphisms (rs9939609, rs1421085, rs8050136, rs17817449, rs1121980).
• Odds ratios ranged from 1.25 to 1.54, indicating increased obesity risk.
• No significant publication bias detected for most polymorphisms; high heterogeneity observed (I2: 38.1%-84.5%).

Conclusions:

• The FTO gene may act as a low-penetrance susceptibility gene for obesity.
• Further large-scale studies are recommended to validate these associations in diverse ethnic populations.
• Clarifying ethnic-specific effects of FTO polymorphisms is crucial for understanding obesity etiology.