Crosstalk between FTO gene polymorphism (rs9939609) and obesity-related traits among Bangladeshi population

Obesity is a growing public health concern in Bangladesh, which is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. The genetic variant rs9939609 of the FTO (fat mass and obesity-associated) gene has been found to be associated with an increased risk for obesity, depending on the population studied. The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to examine the relationship between the FTO gene polymorphism (rs9939609) and lifestyle-related risk factors, and their impact on obesity-related traits and biochemical parameters in the Bangladeshi population.

A total of 280 participants were enrolled in this study, comprising of 140 individuals with overweight and obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 23.0) and 140 non-overweight healthy individuals (18.5 ≤ BMI ≥ 22.9). Demographic information, dietary behaviors, and physical activity-related data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Additionally, anthropometric assessments and measurements of biochemical parameters such as lipid profile and C-reactive protein were performed. The amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction technique was used to identify single-nucleotide polymorphism in the FTO gene. Descriptive statistics, χ,² and one-way ANOVA were performed to evaluate the relationships between independent and dependent variables.

The presence of rs9939609 was strongly associated with the obesity risk factors of increased BMI, cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein. We also found a significant association (p < 0.05) of rs9939609 with overweight and obesity in codominant AA versus TT (odds ratio [OR] = 0.299, 95% CI: 0.129-0.695) and AA versus AT (OR = 2.273, 95% CI: 1.023-5.053), recessive TT versus AA+AT (OR = 5.154, 95% CI: 2.463-10.782), and overdominant AT versus AA+TT (OR = 0.244, 95% CI: 0.122-0.488) models.

FTO variant rs9939609 is significantly linked to obesity and an increased risk of hyperlipidemia in the Bangladeshi population. However, this association is intertwined with environmental factors such as diet and physical activity.