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Interactions between uncoupling protein 2 gene polymorphisms, obesity and alcohol intake on liver function: a large
Karani S Vimaleswaran1, Alana Cavadino1, Niek Verweij2
1Hugh Sinclair Unit of Human NutritionDepartment of Food and Nutritional Sciences, School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy, University of Reading, Whiteknights, PO Box 226, Reading RG6 6AP, UKPopulationPolicy and Practice, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UKWolfson Institute of Preventive MedicineCentre for Environmental and Preventive Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK, Departments of CardiologyEpidemiologyUniversity Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The NetherlandsUnit of Primary CareOulu University Hospital, Oulu, FinlandFaculty of MedicineCenter for Life Course EpidemiologyDepartment of PsychiatryCenter for Clinical Neuroscience, University of Oulu, Oulu, FinlandDepartment of PsychiatryMedical Research Center, University Hospital of Oulu, Oulu, FinlandDepartment of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsImperial College London, MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, London, UKDepartment of PsychiatryLeiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The NetherlandsDepartment of PsychiatryEMGO Institute of Health and Care Research, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The NetherlandsBiocenter OuluUniversity of Oulu, Oulu, FinlandDepartment of GeneticsUniversity Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The NetherlandsICIN - Netherlands Heart InstituteDurrer Center for Cardiogenetic Research, Utrecht, The NetherlandsBarts and The London School of Medicine and DentistryQueen Mary University of London, Blizard Institute, Newark Street, London, UKCentre for Population Health ResearchSchool of Health Science and Sansom Institute of Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaSouth Australian Health and Medical Research InstituteAdelaide, South Australia, Australia Hugh Sinclair Unit of Human NutritionDepartment of Food and Nutritional Sciences, School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy, University of Reading, Whiteknights, PO Box 226, Readin
Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) gene variations do not appear to influence liver enzymes with alcohol intake. However, UCP2 gene polymorphisms interact with body fat, not alcohol, to affect liver enzyme levels.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Hepatology
- Metabolic Diseases
Background:
- Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) plays a role in fat accumulation in liver cells and offers protection against acute alcohol intake.
- UCP2 polymorphisms were investigated for their potential to cause liver disease, particularly in interaction with obesity and alcohol consumption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction between UCP2 gene polymorphisms (rs2306819, rs599277, rs659366), alcohol intake, and obesity metrics (BMI, WC) on liver enzymes (ALT, GGT).
Main Methods:
- A large meta-analysis of three population datasets (n=20,242) was conducted.
- Logistic regression and likelihood ratio tests were used to assess interactions between UCP2 polymorphisms, obesity, and alcohol intake on dichotomized ALT and GGT levels.
Main Results:
- No significant association was found between the three UCP2 polymorphisms and GGT or ALT levels.
- No evidence of interaction between UCP2 polymorphisms and alcohol intake on liver enzymes was observed.
- A significant interaction was found between the rs659366 UCP2 polymorphism and body fat (WC and BMI) in relation to GGT levels.
Conclusions:
- UCP2 gene polymorphisms may contribute to liver dysfunction primarily through interaction with body fat, rather than alcohol intake.
- These findings highlight the complex interplay between genetic factors, obesity, and liver health.
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