Outdoor time influences VIPR2 polymorphism rs2071623 to regulate axial length in Han Chinese children

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Genetics
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Refractive error, particularly myopia, is a global health concern affecting visual quality.
• Its complex etiology involves gene-environment interactions, with axial elongation being a key indicator of myopia progression.
• Understanding these interactions is crucial for developing effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the interaction between environmental factors and VIPR2 gene markers.
• To assess the impact of this interaction on spherical equivalence and axial length in Han Chinese children.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 1391 Han Chinese children (aged 13-15) from the Anyang Childhood Eye Study (ACES).
• Genotyping of VIPR2 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including rs2071623, and measurement of axial length and refractive error.
• Utilizing generalized multifactor dimensional reduction (GMDR) to explore gene-environment interactions, specifically with outdoor time.

Main Results:

• The VIPR2 rs2071623 SNP (T allele) was associated with axial length.
• A significant interaction between rs2071623 and outdoor time was observed, particularly in children with high outdoor exposure.
• GMDR analysis confirmed the interaction effect between outdoor time and rs2071623 on axial length.

Conclusions:

• The VIPR2 rs2071623 polymorphism interacts with outdoor time in Han Chinese children.
• Higher outdoor exposure may amplify the protective effect of the rs2071623 T allele against excessive axial elongation.
• Findings suggest a potential pathway for personalized myopia management strategies.