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Mendelian Randomization Analysis Identifies Inverse Causal Relationship between External Eating and Metabolic
Yanina Timasheva1,2, Zhanna Balkhiyarova3,4, Diana Avzaletdinova2,4
1Institute of Biochemistry and Genetics, Ufa Federal Research Centre of Russian Academy of Sciences, Ufa 450054, Russia.
Nutrients
|April 27, 2024
Summary
Genetic links to eating behaviors like external eating were identified. These eating patterns causally influence metabolic traits and anthropometric measures, impacting weight and type 2 diabetes risk.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Metabolism
- Behavioral Science
- Population Health
Background:
- Disordered eating is linked to weight gain, obesity, and type 2 diabetes (T2D).
- The precise mechanisms connecting eating patterns to metabolic phenotypes are not fully understood.
- Genetic predispositions may influence eating behaviors and subsequent metabolic health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify genetic variants associated with specific eating behaviors.
- To investigate the causal relationships between eating behaviors and metabolic/anthropometric traits using Mendelian randomization (MR).
- To explore the genetic underpinnings of eating patterns in relation to type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
Main Methods:
- Association analysis of 30 genetic variants with eating patterns in individuals with T2D.
- Mendelian randomization (MR) to assess causal links between eating behavior variants and metabolic traits.
- Analysis of data from Volga-Ural populations and large international consortia, including Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS).
Main Results:
- Identified genetic variants (e.g., HTR1D, CDKAL1, HTR2A) associated with external and emotional eating.
- Detected associations between specific gene loci (e.g., CRP, ADCY3, GHRL) and metabolic syndrome.
- MR revealed an inverse causal link between external eating and glycated hemoglobin; external eating affected anthropometric traits (BMI, height, waist/hip circumference, weight).
Conclusions:
- Eating patterns significantly impact anthropometric measurements and metabolic health indicators.
- Genetic factors play a role in mediating the relationship between eating behaviors and metabolic diseases like T2D.
- Understanding these genetic and causal links can inform strategies for managing obesity and T2D.
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