Effect of Interaction between Early Menarche and Genetic Polymorphisms on Triglyceride

Area of Science:

• Reproductive endocrinology
• Metabolic health
• Genetics

Background:

• Early menarche is linked to higher metabolic syndrome risk.
• Understanding the specific associations and interactions of metabolic syndrome components with menarcheal age is crucial for elucidating its pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between age at menarche and the risk of metabolic syndrome.
• To examine the relationship between early menarche and individual metabolic syndrome components, including triglycerides.
• To explore genetic pathway interactions related to early menarche and triglyceride levels.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study evaluating age at menarche and metabolic syndrome incidence.
• Statistical analysis including odds ratios (OR) and beta coefficients (β) to assess associations.
• Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS)-based pathway analysis to identify involved genetic pathways.

Main Results:

• Metabolic syndrome incidence was significantly elevated in women with menarche at or before age 12 (OR = 1.91, P < 0.05).
• Early menarche (≤12 years) was associated with significantly higher triglyceride levels (β = 37.83, P = 0.02) and increased risk of hypertriglyceridemia (OR = 1.99, P < 0.01).
• GWAS analysis identified type 2 diabetes mellitus, stress-activated protein kinase signaling, and Jun amino-terminal kinase cascade pathways as significantly involved in the relationship between early menarche and triglyceride levels.

Conclusions:

• Early menarche is a significant risk factor for metabolic syndrome, primarily driven by elevated triglyceride levels.
• Specific genetic pathways, including those related to type 2 diabetes, interact with early menarche to influence triglyceride levels and metabolic syndrome development.