Identification of Genetic Determinants of Weight Loss Efficacy After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery

Bariatric surgery, particularly Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), is an effective treatment for extreme obesity, but some patients experience inadequate weight loss or weight regain. This study aimed to identify blood biomarkers that predict effective weight loss following RYGB.

A microarray profile (GSE83223) was utilized to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that could preoperatively predict body mass index (BMI) reduction after RYGB. Thirteen patients were divided into two groups based on their postsurgery BMI reduction: high (group A, n = 4) and low (group B, n = 9). DEGs were identified based on significant log fold change (LFC) (p < 0.05, │LFC│>1). Analyses included data preprocessing, protein-protein interactions, gene ontology, pathway analysis, and identification of hub genes.

Notable DEGs before surgery included SEBOX, NOCT, and TYK2, primarily involved in chromosome organization and macromolecule metabolism. Seventeen genes were consistently down-regulated pre and postsurgery, with SNRPB and BCL11A showing the highest │LFC│. Transcription factors MYC and ATF2 were identified as upstream regulators of these DEGs.

The expression levels of these genes may serve as prognostic indicators for predicting the efficacy of bariatric surgery in obese individuals, potentially guiding clinical decisions for improved outcomes.