The association between FTO gene polymorphism rs9939609 and obesity is sex-specific in the population of PURE study in Poland

Background. Fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) polymorphism remains the strongest known genetic determinant of common obesity. However, its influence depends on ethnicity, and the FTO-mediated predisposition to other metabolic disturbances is questionable. Objectives. The aim of our study was to evaluate the association between FTO rs9939609 polymorphism and metabolic syndrome in a population of Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study in Poland. Material and methods. We enrolled 1,097 participants of the PURE study (683 women and 414 men) from the Lower Silesian voivodeship. Anthropometrical parameters and blood pressure were measured. Blood samples were taken for an examination of lipid profile and fasting glucose level. Genomic DNA was isolated and FTO polymorphism rs9939609 was genotyped. Results. Male A-allele carriers had significantly higher mean body mass, body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and waist and hip circumferences than men without risk allele. They were also more often diagnosed with obesity on the basis of BMI and central obesity parameters. No such influence was observed in women. There were no significant associations between FTO polymorphism and metabolic syndrome or its components. Conclusions. Our results suggest a sex-specific association between FTO polymorphism and obesity traits. The occurrence of metabolic syndrome or its components was not related with FTO gene variation in our cohort.