Role of FTO (Fat Mass and Obesity-Associated) and IRX3 (Iroquois Homeobox 3) gene variants on obesity in Quetta

Abstract

Background and objectives

Obesity has become globally prevalent. The novel studies about long-range interaction between promoter-enhancer sequences of FTO and IRX3 genes SNPs, affects the conversion of adipocytes maturation and hence obesity. This can be implemented in pharmaceutical field. The study was established to investigate the association of FTO and IRX3 SNP and its impact on Quetta subjects.

Materials and methods

Blood Samples taken from 250 individuals (150 obese and 100 non-obese) after informed consent along with demographic information. Organic method of DNA extraction and ARMS-PCR for genotyping was performed. Data analysis was done by liner regression at 95%confidence interval.

Results

Both genes’ SNPs were strongly associated with obesity. The AA genotype of FTO SNP rs8050136 showed 3.48-fold (95% CI: 1.45–8.37, P = 0.013) increased risk and allele A 1.76-fold (95%CI: 1.21–2.57, P = 0.004) comparing with allele C. Similarly, compared with TT or GT genotype the GG genotype of IRX3 SNP rs3751723 displayed 3.22-fold (95%CI: 1.40–7.39, P = 0.018) increased onset of obesity, with the frequency of G allele 1.67-fold (95%CI: 1.15–2.41, P = 0.007). Gender and Social statuses were not significantly associated, the different genotypes affect both male and female; AA = 1.21 (95%CI: 0.57–2.55, P = 0.41) and AC = 1.14 (95%CI: 0.65–1.98, P = 0.65) respectively. Moreover, only Baloch ethnic group in GG genotype of IRX3 variant display 3.16-times (95%CI: 0.86–11.5, P = 0.08) increase obesity risk.

Conclusion

Our study suggested that studied polymorphism of both genes are strongly associated with obesity in Quetta population. Moreover, lack of knowledge about obesity genetics is one of the major hurdles in its management at individual level in Pakistan.