Relationship between HECTD4 gene variants, obesity, and coffee consumption.

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Nutritional Epidemiology
• Obesity Research

Background:

• Genome-wide association studies suggest the HECTD4 gene is linked to obesity and coffee consumption.
• Previous research has not specifically examined the association between HECTD4 gene variants, coffee consumption, and obesity in the Korean population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether HECTD4 gene variants modify the relationship between coffee consumption and obesity in Koreans.
• To identify specific HECTD4 variants associated with obesity-related traits and coffee intake.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 58,698 Korean individuals from the Health Examinees cohort.
• Categorization of participants into obese (BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m²) and nonobese (18.5 ≤ BMI < 23.0 kg/m²) groups.
• Assessment of food consumption using a food frequency questionnaire and genetic analysis of HECTD4 variants.

Main Results:

• Four HECTD4 gene variants were identified as significantly associated with obesity and coffee consumption (p < 0.00014).
• The HECTD4 rs2074356 genotype significantly modified the effect of coffee consumption on obesity.
• Individuals with the G allele of rs2074356 exhibited a more pronounced positive correlation between coffee consumption and obesity (ORs ranging from 1.61 to 1.82) compared to those with the A allele (ORs ranging from 1.45 to 1.47).

Conclusions:

• The impact of coffee consumption on obesity risk in Koreans is influenced by specific HECTD4 gene variants, particularly rs2074356.
• These findings highlight the role of genetic factors in mediating the relationship between dietary habits and obesity in diverse populations.