Can Polygenic Risk Scores for Metabolic Syndrome Contribute to Long-Term Syndrome Development in First-Episode...

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Genetics
• Metabolic Health Research
• Longitudinal Cohort Studies

Background:

• Metabolic syndrome (MetS) poses a significant clinical challenge in managing patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP).
• Understanding the genetic underpinnings of MetS in FEP is crucial for early intervention and risk stratification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between polygenic risk scores for MetS (PRSMetS) and the development of MetS in FEP patients.
• To explore the relationship between PRSMetS and specific metabolic symptoms using advanced analytical methods.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 164 FEP patients was followed for a mean of 20.9 years, with MetS diagnosed using ATP III criteria.
• Logistic regression models assessed the contribution of various polygenic risk scores (PRSs) to MetS development and metabolic symptoms.
• Network analysis (NA) was employed to examine interconnections between PRSMetS, waist circumference PRSs (PRSWaist), and metabolic criteria.

Main Results:

• PRSMetS significantly predicted MetS development (7.9% variance) and increased waist circumference (6.8% variance) in FEP patients.
• A PRS for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels was associated with hypertension (5.6% variance).
• PRSMetS demonstrated a significant linear trend with the number of MetS criteria, even after adjusting for baseline variables.

Conclusions:

• Polygenic risk scores for MetS show significant associations with metabolic disturbances in FEP patients over their lifetime.
• Integrating PRSMetS with clinical measures may enhance the identification of FEP patients at high risk for developing MetS.
• These findings offer potential for personalized risk assessment and targeted interventions in FEP management.