Gene-Diet interaction between FTO rs9939609 and fiber intake in relation to GERD susceptibility

While the interaction between the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene and diet is known to influence health issues such as obesity, its effects on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) risk remains unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the role of dietary intake of fibers in developing GERD in people with different FTO genotypes.

This case-control study was carried out on 450 participants aged 35-70 years, including 150 patients with GERD and 300 without GERD in Tehran, Iran. FTO genotyping was performed using tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain (ARMS-PCR) and dietary intake was assessed with a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ).

GERD patients with the FTO rs9939609 TT genotype had a significantly higher intake of soluble fiber compared to the controls (P = 0.022). Among individuals with the TT genotype, higher soluble fiber intake was associated with an increased risk of GERD (OR = 1.410, 95% CI = 1.023-1.944) in a fully adjusted model.

The intake of soluble fiber is associated with the risk of GERD in carriers of the FTO rs9939609 TT genotype, suggesting a significant gene-diet interaction. However, further studies are warranted.