Association of FTO polymorphisms with obesity and metabolic parameters in Han Chinese adolescents

Genetic Variants in the Fat Mass and Obesity-Associated Gene and Risk of Obesity/Overweight in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

The variations in the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the fat mass and obesity (FTO)-associated gene have been linked to being overweight or obese in children. In this research a thorough examination was performed to elucidate the connection between various FTO gene SNPs and overweight or obesity in children and adolescents.

METHOD

We searched PubMed, Google scholar, Web of Science and Scopus until January 2024 to find studies that investigate the association between different SNPs of FTO gene and the risk of overweight/obesity in children and adolescents. After filtering the relevant studies, meta-analysis was used to quantify the association of FTO gene SNPs within different genetic inheritance models.

RESULTS

We have identified 32 eligible studies with 14,930 obese/overweight cases and 24,765 healthy controls. Our recessive model showed a significant association with rs9939609 (OR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.20; 2.02, p < 0.01) and rs1421085 (OR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.14; 2.75, p < 0.01). Besides, in the homozygote model, rs1421085 showed the highest association (OR: 2.32, 95% CI: 1.38; 3.89, p < 0.01) with the risk of obesity in a population of children and adolescents. Moreover, there are other SNPs of FTO genes, such as rs9921255, rs9928094 and rs9930333, which showed a positive association with obesity and overweight. However, their effects were evaluated in very few numbers of studies.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we have found that the FTO rs9939609 and rs1421085 are associated to an increased risk of obesity among children and adolescents. Besides, the findings of this study further reaffirmed the established link between rs9939609 and obesity in children and adolescents.

The Impact of Haplotypes of the FTO Gene, Lifestyle, and Dietary Patterns on BMI and Metabolic Syndrome in Polish Young Adult Men

BACKGROUND

Variants in fat mass and the obesity-associated protein (FTO) gene have long been recognized as the most significant genetic predictors of body fat mass and obesity. Nevertheless, despite the overall evidence, there are conflicting reports regarding the correlation between different polymorphisms of the FTO gene and body mass index (BMI). Additionally, it is unclear whether FTO influences metabolic syndrome (MetS) through mechanisms other than BMI's impact. In this work, we aimed to analyze the impact of the following FTO polymorphisms on the BMI as well as MetS components in a population of young adult men.

METHODS

The patient group consisted of 279 Polish young adult men aged 28.92 (4.28) recruited for the MAGNETIC trial. The single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), located in the first intron of the FTO gene, were genotyped, and the results were used to identify "protective" and "risk" haplotypes and diplotypes based on the literature data. Laboratory, as well as anthropometric measurements regarding MetS, were performed. Measured MetS components included those used in the definition in accordance with the current guidelines. Data regarding dietary patterns were also collected, and principal components of the dietary patterns were identified.

RESULTS

No statistically significant correlations were identified between the analyzed FTO diplotypes and BMI (p = 0.53) or other MetS components (waist circumference p = 0.55; triglycerides p = 0.72; HDL cholesterol p = 0.33; blood glucose p = 0.20; systolic blood pressure p = 0.06; diastolic blood pressure p = 0.21). Stratification by the level of physical activity or adherence to the dietary patterns also did not result in any statistically significant result.

CONCLUSIONS

Some studies have shown that FTO SNPs such as rs1421085, rs1121980, rs8050136, rs9939609, and rs9930506 have an impact on the BMI or other MetS components; nevertheless, this was not replicated in this study of Polish young adult males.

Sex-specific association of FABP2 polymorphisms with the risk of obesity in the Tehran Cardio-Metabolic Genetic Study (TCGS)

FABP2 is one of the key genes involved in obesity development across different populations. However, there is no comprehensive report about the FABP2 contribution to obesity incidence among Iranians. Hence, the present study was designed to assess the probable role of FABP2 polymorphisms in obesity incidence in the Tehran Cardio- metabolic Genetic Study (TCGS) representative Iran population. Unrelated adults who had BMI information for at least 3 consecutive phases of the TCGS cohort were included. The control and case groups were defined as individuals who always had long-term persistent normal weight (20 < BMI < 25; n = 1526) and individuals who were long-term persistent obese (30 < BMI < 35; n = 1313), respectively. The logistic regression test was used to assess the possible association between SNPs located in and around the FABP2 gene with obesity. Also, we used Haploview and SHEsis to perform haplotype analysis to detect whether or not this chromosomal region is correlated with obesity. We found a gender-dependent association between the rs10857064 FABP2 and the risk of obesity. The presence of the rs10857064-G allele could significantly increase the risk of obesity only in women, not men (OR = 1.26; 95 % CI: 1.02-1.57; p = 0.03). Through haplotype analysis, we also detected that the TG haplotype containing rs7670862 and rs10857064 could significantly enhance the risk of obesity in women, further supporting the central role of rs10857064 in women's long-term obesity risk. In the current study, we revealed that rs10857064-G FABP2 can significantly predispose women to develop obesity. It highlights the importance of different genetic variants in both genders, which could help us to distinguish more efficient obesity screening tests and treatments based on gender in the future.

Dietary Fiber Intake May Influence the Impact of FTO Genetic Variants on Obesity Parameters and Lipid Profile-A Cohort Study of a Caucasian Population of Polish Origin

Genetic and environmental factors play a key role in the development of obesity. The aim of this study was to explore the potential effect of fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) rs3751812, rs8050136, rs9939609, rs6499640, rs8044769, and rs7190492 genotypes and dietary fiber intake on the obesity-related parameters and lipid profile in the Polish population. We selected 819 Polish Caucasian adult subjects (52.5% female and 47.5% male) for a final gene–diet interaction analysis, with mean BMI 28.5 (±6.6) kg/m². We performed measurements of anthropometric parameters, total body fat content and distribution, and blood glucose, insulin, and lipid concentrations. Daily fiber intake was analyzed based on 3-day food-intake diaries, and daily physical activity was evaluated based on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire—Long Form. Our study shows that carriers of the GG genotype (rs3751812), CC genotype (rs8050136), and GG genotype (rs6499640) presented lower hip circumference if daily fiber intake was above 18 g per day. Additionally, GG genotype (rs3751812) and CC genotype (rs8050136) carriers showed surprisingly higher total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels when they were stratified to the group with higher than median fiber intake. The results of this study highlight that high-fiber diets may positively affect anthropometric parameters but may also worsen lipid profile dependent on the FTO genotype.

Multiple Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Testing Improves the Prediction of Diabetic Retinopathy Risk with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most frequent causes of irreversible blindness, thus prevention and early detection of DR is crucial. The purpose of this study is to identify genetic determinants of DR in individuals with type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM). A total of 551 T2DM patients (254 with DR, 297 without DR) were included in this cross-sectional research. Thirteen T2DM-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were utilized for constructing genetic risk prediction model. With logistic regression analysis, genetic variations of the FTO (rs8050136) and PSMD6 (rs831571) polymorphisms were independently associated with a higher risk of DR. The area under the curve (AUC) calculated on known nongenetic risk variables was 0.704. Based on the five SNPs with the highest odds ratio (OR), the combined nongenetic and genetic prediction model improved the AUC to 0.722. The discriminative accuracy of our 5-SNP combined risk prediction model increased in patients who had more severe microalbuminuria (AUC = 0.731) or poor glycemic control (AUC = 0.746). In conclusion, we found a novel association for increased risk of DR at two T2DM-associated genetic loci, FTO (rs8050136) and PSMD6 (rs831571). Our predictive risk model presents new insights in DR development, which may assist in enabling timely intervention in reducing blindness in diabetic patients.

The Impact of FTO Genetic Variants on Obesity and Its Metabolic Consequences is Dependent on Daily Macronutrient Intake

Numerous studies have identified the various fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) genetic variants associated with obesity and its metabolic consequences; however, the impact of dietary factors on these associations remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between FTO single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), daily macronutrient intake, and obesity and its metabolic consequences. From 1549 Caucasian subjects of Polish origin, genotyped for the FTO SNPs (rs3751812, rs8044769, rs8050136, and rs9939609), 819 subjects were selected for gene–diet interaction analysis. Anthropometric measurements were performed and total body fat content and distribution, blood glucose and insulin concentration during oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and lipid profile were determined. Macronutrient intake was analyzed based on three-day food records, and daily physical activity levels were evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Long Form (IPAQ-LF). Our study shows that carriers of the GG genotype of rs3751812 presented lower body weight, body mass index (BMI), total body fat content, and hip and waist circumference and presented lower obesity-related markers if more than 48% of daily energy intake was derived from carbohydrates and lower subcutaneous and visceral fat content when energy intake derived from dietary fat did not exceed 30%. Similar results were observed for rs8050136 CC genotype carriers. We did not notice any significant differences in obesity markers between genotypes of rs8044769, but we did observe a significant impact of diet-gene associations. Body weight and BMI were significantly higher in TT and CT genotype carriers if daily energy intake derived from carbohydrates was less than 48%. Moreover, in TT genotype carriers, we observed higher blood glucose concentration while fasting and during the OGTT test if more than 18% of total energy intake was derived from proteins. In conclusion, our results indicate that daily macronutrient intake may modulate the impact of FTO genetic SNPs on obesity and obesity-related metabolic consequences.

Lack of association between FTO gene variations and metabolic healthy obese (MHO) phenotype: Tehran Cardio-metabolic Genetic Study (TCGS)

BACKGROUND

Obesity is currently an international epidemic and metabolic derangements pose these individuals at greater risk for future morbidity and mortality. Genetics and environmental factors have undeniable effects and among genetic risk factors, FTO/CETP genes are important. The current study examines the interaction between obesity phenotypes and FTO/CETP SNPs and their effects on lipid profile changes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We selected 954 adult subjects from TCGS (47.9% male). Participants were stratified according to their BMI and presence of metabolic syndrome according to the Joint Interim Statement (JIS) definition. Nine selected polymorphisms from FTO/CETP genes were genotyped using Tetra ARMS-PCR method. After age and sex adjustment the interaction of 9 markers with lipid profiles among phenotypes were tested by PASW.

RESULTS

In three main groups, HDL_C level had a strong significant association with CETP markers: (rs3764261, β(95% CI) - 0.48(- 0.61 to - 0.35), P = 1.0 × 10^-11), (rs1800775, β(95% CI) 0.5(0.36;0.65), P = 1.0 × 10^-6) and (rs1864163, β(95% CI) 0.3(0.16;0.43), P = 9.1 × 10^-5). This association was also seen in rs7202116 within the total population. In only unhealthy metabolic obese (MUHO) subgroups four new FTO markers (rs1421085, rs1121980, rs1558902 and rs8050136) (P value < 0.01) demonstrated significant association, even after lipid profile adjustment.

CONCLUSION

In the present study, we investigated the association between obesity phenotypes and some variations in FTO/CETP genes for the first time. Our study showed that four markers in the first intron of the FTO gene should be the risk marker in MUHO participants.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, case-control study.

FTO gene polymorphisms and obesity risk in Chinese population: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

There is tremendous increase in obesity worldwide. Many factors including diet, life style, genetic, and epigenetic changes contribute to obesity. The fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene polymorphisms are strongly associated with obesity. It has been reported that FTO single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with obesity in European populations; however, it was controversial in Chinese population. The present meta-analysis study was designed to investigate the association between FTO polymorphisms and obesity risk in Chinese population.

METHODS

The investigators searched studies using the following databases: PubMed, web of science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. A random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled odds ratios (ORs). The heterogeneity among the studies was measured by I² value. Subgroup analysis was used to find out the potential factors influencing the heterogeneity.

RESULTS

A total of 18 articles including 26 studies were included in the present meta-analysis. Overall, the FTO SNPs were significantly associated with obesity in Chinese population (OR 1.30; 95% CI 1.19-1.42; P < 0.001) under per-allele comparison. The subgroup analysis also showed strong association between four FTO SNPs (rs9939609, rs6499640, rs8050136, and rs1558902) and obesity risk. Furthermore, subgroup analysis stratified by children/adolescent and adult groups showed same trend.

CONCLUSION

The present meta-analysis indicated that FTO SNPs are associated with obesity risk in both children/adolescents and adults in Chinese population.

Differential effects on neurodevelopment of FTO variants in obesity and bipolar disorder suggested by in silico prediction of functional impact: An analysis in Mexican population

INTRODUCTION

Several studies indicate that polygenic obesity is linked to fat-mass and obesity-associated (FTO) genetic variants. Nevertheless, the link between variants in FTO and mental disorders has been barely explored. The present work aims to determine whether FTO genetic variants are associated with bipolar disorder and obesity, and to perform an in silico prediction of variant-dependent functional impact on the developing brain transcriptome.

METHODS

Four hundred and forty-six Mexican mestizos were included in a genetic association analysis. SNP-sequence kernel association test and linear mixed models were implemented for genetic association assessment. For functional impact prediction, we analyzed the mapping of regulatory elements, the modification of binding sites of transcription factors and the expression of transcription factors in the brain developing transcriptome, searching on different databases.

RESULTS

In the set-based analysis, we found different associated regions to BD (bipolar disorder) and obesity. The promoter flanking region of FTO intron 1 was associated with differential effects on BMI, while intron 2 of RPGRIP1L and FTO upstream regions were associated with BD. The prediction analysis showed that FTO BD-associated variants disturb binding sites of SP1 and SP2; obesity-associated variants, on the other hand, disturb binding sites of FOXP1, which are transcription factors highly expressed during prenatal development stages of the brain.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest a possible effect of FTO variants on neurodevelopment in obesity and bipolar disorder, which gives new insights into the molecular mechanism underlying this association.

Physical Activity Might Reduce the Adverse Impacts of the FTO Gene Variant rs3751812 on the Body Mass Index of Adults in Taiwan

The fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene is a significant genetic contributor to polygenic obesity. We investigated whether physical activity (PA) modulates the effect of FTO rs3751812 on body mass index (BMI) among Taiwanese adults. Analytic samples included 10,853 Taiwan biobank participants. Association of the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) with BMI was assessed using linear regression models. Physical activity was defined as any kind of exercise lasting 30 min each session, at least three times a week. Participants with heterozygous (TG) and homozygous (TT) genotypes had higher BMI compared to those with wild-type (GG) genotypes. The β value was 0.381(p < 0.0001) for TG individuals and 0.684 (p = 0.0204) for TT individuals. There was a significant dose-response effect among carriers of different risk alleles (p trend <0.0001). Active individuals had lower BMI than their inactive counterparts (β = -0.389, p < 0.0001). Among the active individuals, significant associations were found only with the TG genotype (β = 0.360, p = 0.0032). Inactive individuals with TG and TT genotypes had increased levels of BMI compared to those with GG genotypes: Their β values were 0.381 (p = 0.0021) and 0.950 (p = 0.0188), respectively. There was an interaction between the three genotypes, physical inactivity, and BMI (p trend  = 0.0002). Our data indicated that increased BMI owing to genetic susceptibility by FTO rs3751812 may be reduced by physical activity.

Association of FTO Gene Variant (rs8050136) with Type 2 Diabetes and Markers of Obesity, Glycaemic Control and Inflammation

Background

FTO, a gene recently discovered in genomewide associated studies for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), play an important role in the management of energy homeostasis, nucleic acid demethylation and regulation of body fat mass by lipolysis. The aim of this study was to analyze the association of FTO rs8050136 A>C genetic variant with clinical and biochemical parameters of T2D in the population of West Balkan region (Bosnians and Herzegovinians and Kosovars).

Methods

The study included 638 patients with T2D and prediabetes and 360 healthy controls of both genders, aged from 40 to 65 years. Patients were recruited at the Clinical Centre University of Sarajevo, University Hospital of Clinical Centre in Banja Luka, General Hospital in Tešanj and Health Centre in Prizren. Genotyping of analyzed FTO polymorphism rs8050136 A>C was performed by qPCR allelic discrimination.

Results

Genotype frequencies of the analyzed polymorphism were comparable between patients with T2D, prediabetic patients, and healthy population. Logistic regression analyses didn’t show significant association of FTO rs8050136 A allele with increased risk of T2D. However, risk A allele was significantly associated with higher levels of HbA1c, insulin, HOMA-IR index, diastolic blood pressure, and inflammatory markers (fibrinogen and leukocytes) as well as showed tendency of association with increased values of obesity markers (BMI, waist and hip circumference).

Conclusions

Results of our study showed a significant association of FTO genetic variant rs8050136 A>C with the major markers of insulin resistance, obesity and inflammation, opening new avenues for solving many unclear questions in the pathogenesis of T2D.

Relationship Between Fat Mass and Obesity-Associated (FTO) Gene Polymorphisms with Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome in Ethnic Mongolians

Background

The distribution of fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) genes rs9939609 and rs1421085 in obese and normal ethnic Mongolians was analyzed to investigate the association of FTO gene polymorphisms with obesity and metabolic syndrome in ethnic Mongolians.

Material/Methods

The genotypes of FTO genes rs9939609 and rs1421085 in 500 subjects were detected by allele-specific PCR (AS-PCR). General characteristics and clinical biochemical indicators were compared between the obesity group and the control group. The correlation between different genotypes and obesity metabolic index was also analyzed.

Results

Body mass, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), SBP, DBP, FPG, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were higher, while HDL-C was lower in the obesity group compared with controls. The frequencies of TT genotype and T allele in the obesity group were higher than those in the control group. The frequencies of these 3 genotypes and allele frequencies of Rs1421085 were comparable between the 2 groups (P>0.05). The risk of obesity in Mongolian individuals carrying rs9939609 AT genotype was 1.312 times higher and the risk in those carrying AA genotype was 1.896 times higher than in individuals with TT genotype. The body weight, BMI, WC, HC, and WHR in individuals with rs9939609 AA and AT genotypes were significantly higher than in those with TT genotype.

Conclusions

The AT/AA genotype and allele A of rs9939609 are associated with an increased risk of obesity.

Gender-specific association of the rs6499640 polymorphism in the FTO gene with plasma lipid levels in Chinese children

The fat mass- and obesity-associated gene (FTO) is significantly associated with obesity, but the associations of FTO with obesity-related traits are not fully described. We aimed to investigate the association of the FTO single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs6499640 with lipid levels in Chinese children. A total of 3503 children aged 6-18 years were included in the present study. Lipid levels were analyzed and the SNP rs6499640 was genotyped using the TaqMan Allelic Discrimination Assay. Statistically significant associations were found between rs6499640 and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (p = 0.008), total cholesterol (TC) (p = 0.005), and triglycerides (TG) (p < 0.001) in girls under a dominant model adjusted for age and BMI. No statistical significance was found between the SNP and lipid levels in boys. We demonstrated for the first time that the SNP rs6499640 in FTO is associated with LDL-C, TC, and TG in Chinese girls. Our study identified a new risk locus for lipid levels in children.

Association between LEPR, FTO, MC4R, and PPARG-2 polymorphisms with obesity traits and metabolic phenotypes in school-aged children

PURPOSE

Evaluate the relationship of leptin receptor (LEPR) rs1137101, fat mass obesity-associated (FTO) receptors 9939609, melanocortin-4 receptors (MC4R) rs2229616 and rs17782313, and proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARG) rs1801282 with clinical and metabolic phenotypes in prepubertal children.

RESEARCH QUESTION

What is the effect of polymorphisms on clinical and metabolic phenotypes in prepubertal children?

METHODS

A cross-sectional descriptive study was performed to evaluate anthropometric features, percentage body fat (%BF), biochemical parameters, and genotype in 773 prepubertal children.

RESULTS

FTO rs9939609 was associated with an increase in body mass index (BMI) and BMI z-score (zBMI). MC4R rs17782313 was associated with a decrease in BMI and +0.06 units in zBMI. LEPR, and PPARG-2 polymorphisms were associated with decreases in BMI and an increase and decrease units in zBMI, respectively. The homozygous SNPs demonstrated increases (FTO rs993609 and MC4R rs17782313) and decreases (LEPR rs1137101, PPARG rs1801282) in zBMI than the homozygous form of the major allele. In the overweight/obese group, the MC4R rs17782313 CC genotype showed higher average weight, zBMI, waist circumference, waist-circumference-to-height ratio, and waist-hip ratio, and lower BMI, mid-upper arm circumference, calf circumference, and %BF (P< 0.05). FTO rs9939609 AT and AA genotypes were associated with lower triglycerides (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

We showed that MC4R rs17782313 and FTO rs9939609 were positively associated with zBMI, with weak and very weak effects, respectively, suggesting a very scarce contribution to childhood obesity. LEPR rs1137101 and PPARG-2 rs1801282 had weak and medium negative effects on zBMI, respectively, and may slightly protect against childhood obesity.

No association of the single nucleotide polymorphism rs8044769 in the fat mass and obesity-associated gene with knee osteoarthritis risk and body mass index: A population-based study in China

OBJECTIVES

Previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have reported significant association of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs8044769 in the fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) with osteoarthritis (OA) risk in European populations. However, these findings have not been confirmed in Chinese populations.

METHODS

We systematically genotyped rs8044769 and evaluated the association between the genetic variants and OA risk in a case-controlled study including 196 OA cases and 442 controls in a northern Chinese population. Genotyping was performed using the Sequenom MassARRAY iPLEX platform.

RESULTS

We found that the variant T allele of rs8044769 showed no significant association of OA risk (p = 0.791), or association with body mass index (BMI) (pmeta = 0.786) in an additive genetic model. However, we detected a significant interaction between rs8044769 genotypes and BMI on OA risk (p = 0.037), as well as a borderline interaction between rs8044769 genotypes and age on OA risk (p = 0.062).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that rs8044769 in the FTO gene may not modify individual susceptibility to OA or increased BMI in the Chinese population. Further studies are warranted to validate and extend our findings.Cite this article: Prof L. Jiang. No association of the single nucleotide polymorphism rs8044769 in the fat mass and obesity-associated gene with knee osteoarthritis risk and body mass index: A population-based study in China. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:169-174. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.55.2000589.

Gene polymorphisms and increased DNA damage in morbidly obese women

Obesity is characterized by increased adipose tissue mass resulting from a chronic imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. Furthermore, there is a clearly defined relationship among fat mass expansion, chronic low-grade systemic inflammation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation; leading to ROS-related pathological events. In the past years, genome-wide association studies have generated convincing evidence associating genetic variation at multiple regions of the genome with traits that reflect obesity. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the relationships among the gene polymorphisms ghrelin (GHRL-rs26802), ghrelin receptor (GHSR-rs572169), leptin (LEP-rs7799039), leptin receptor (LEPR-rs1137101) and fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO-rs9939609) and obesity. The relationships among these gene variants and the amount of DNA damage were also investigated. Three hundred Caucasian morbidly obese and 300 eutrophic (controls) women were recruited. In summary, the results demonstrated that the frequencies of the GHRL, GHSR, LEP and LEPR polymorphisms were not different between Brazilian white morbidly obese and eutrophic women. Exceptions were the AA-FTO genotype and allele A, which were significantly more frequent in obese women than in the controls (0.23% vs. 0.10%; 0.46 vs. 0.36, respectively), and the TT-FTO genotype and the T allele, which were less frequent in morbidly obese women (p<0.01). Furthermore, significant differences in the amount of genetic lesions associated with FTO variants were observed only in obese women. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the analyzed SNPs were not closely associated with morbid obesity, suggesting they are not the major contributors to obesity. Therefore, our data indicated that these gene variants are not good biomarkers for predicting risk susceptibility for obesity, whereas ROS generated by the inflammatory status might be one of the causes of DNA damage in obese women, favoring genetically related diseases as obesity comorbidities.