Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2025
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Evaluation of Left Ventricular Structure and Function using 3D Echocardiography
Published on: October 28, 2020
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Effect of fat distribution on left ventricular structure and function in different sexes: a Mendelian randomization
Hang Li1, Guangjiao Yin1,2, Yanfang Zhang1
1Department of Geriatrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
Frontiers in Endocrinology
|March 12, 2025
Summary
Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) causally impacts left ventricular (LV) structure and function, particularly in women. Fat distribution patterns uniquely affect cardiac health differently between sexes, highlighting sex-specific cardiovascular risks.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Genetics
- Obesity Medicine
- Cardiac Physiology
Background:
- Interactions between sex, body fat distribution, and cardiac structure/function are complex and not fully understood.
- Previous research suggests a link, but causal relationships require further elucidation.
- Understanding these links is crucial for sex-specific cardiovascular risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causal relationship between genetic factors influencing fat distribution patterns and left ventricular (LV) structure and function.
- To determine if these relationships differ between sexes.
- To utilize Mendelian randomization to explore causality.
Main Methods:
- Selected genetic variants for waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and body mass index (BMI) from European GWAS.
- Utilized UK Biobank Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance data (>35,000 European samples) for LV parameters.
- Employed two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to assess causal effects.
Main Results:
- Adjusted for BMI, WHR showed a positive causal link with LV hypertrophy and negative links with LV volume and diastolic function.
- These associations were significant in females (FWHR) but not in males (MWHR).
- No causal relationship was observed between WHR and LV ejection fraction (LVEF).
Conclusions:
- Fat distribution patterns exert distinct effects on LV structure and function, with significant sex-specific variations.
- Provides evidence for a causal role of fat distribution in modulating cardiac structure and function across sexes.
- Highlights the importance of considering sex-specific approaches in understanding obesity-related cardiovascular risks.
Keywords:
Mendelian randomizationfat distribution patternleft ventricular structure and functionsex differenceswaist-to-hip ratioMore Related Videos
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