Association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the first intron of the Fat mass and obesity associated (FTO) gene with obesity risk in Asians: a meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective: This meta-analysis was performed to examine the association between the fat mass and obesity associated (FTO) gene polymorphisms and the risk of obesity in Asian populations. Methods: We conducted a meta-analysis based on searches of PubMed and Scopus up to October 19th, 2015 to identify relevant studies. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95 confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using randomor fixed-effect models. Results: Fourteen studies for rs9939609 (8810 cases and 17031 controls) and eight studies for rs8050136 (3305 cases and 6841 controls) were finally included. There was a significant association between both polymorphisms and the risk of obesity under all models. For rs9939609, allele model (A allele vs. T allele): OR=1.29, 95 CI 1.20-1.39; recessive model (AA vs. TT+ TA): 1.45, 95 CI 1.26-1.65; dominant model (AA+TA vs. TT): OR= 1.31, 95 CI 1.19-1.44; and the homozygous model (AA vs. TT): OR= 1.63, 95 CI 1.39-1.87. For rs8050136, allele model (A allele vs. T allele): OR= 1.32, 95 CI 1.16-1.48; recessive model (AA vs. TT+ TA): 1.36, 95 CI 1.09-1.62; dominant model (AA+ TA vs. TT): OR= 1.36, 95 CI 1.16-1.56; and the homozygous model (AA vs. TT): OR= 1.51, 95 CI 1.20-1.82. Conclusions: This meta-analysis indicated a significant positive association between the single nucleotide polymorphisms near to FTO (rs9939609 and rs8050136) and obesity risk among Asians.