Physical activity attenuates, but not dietary intake, the effect of the FTO rs9939609 polymorphism on obesity and metabolic syndrome in Lithuanian adult population

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to examine the associations between the fat mass and obesity associated (FTO) gene rs9939609 variant with obesity and dietary intake or metabolic syndrome and interactions between FTO alleles and physical activity in Lithuanian adulth population. Methods: A cross-sectional health survey was carried out in randomly selected municipalities of Lithuania. The random sample was obtained from the lists of 25-64 year-old inhabitants registered at primary health care centers. The data from 1020 individuals (420 men and 600 women) were analyzed. The single-nucleotide polymorphism, rs9939609, in FTO gene was assessed using a real-time polymerase chain reaction. 24-hour recall was used for evaluation of dietary habits. Information on physical activity was gathered by a standard questionnare. Physical activity at work, travelling to and from work and at leisure time was evaluated. Results: The carriers of the AA genotype had the highest mean values of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). They had 1.72 time higher odds of obesity (P=0.009) and 1.67 time higher odds of increased WC (P=0.013) than those with the TT genotype. Carriers of the T allele had lower prevalence of metabiolic syndrome compared to carriers of the AA genotype (33.8% 45 and 42.5% respectively; P=0.018). [...].