Abstract
Background
Fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene is an obesity susceptibility gene and its relationship with the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the relationships of FTO gene variations with NAFLD risk in a Chinese male population.
Methods
A 1:2 matched case–control study was performed on 275 cases of NAFLD and 550 controls matched for age. Nine of the FTO gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped.
Results
Logistic regression analysis found that FTO rs1477196 was significantly associated with the susceptibility to NAFLD in recessive genetic models [unadjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.52, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.22–5.19, P = 0.012] and the relativity weakened after further adjustment for body mass index (BMI), uric acid, metabolic syndrome, smoking, and drinking (adjusted OR = 2.18, 95% CI: 0.96–4.99, P = 0.06). In the obese group, the AA + AG genotypes of rs1121980 and rs9940128 were associated with a decreased risk of NAFLD, when compared with the GG genotype, respectively (rs1121980: adjusted OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.39–0.99, P = 0.044; rs9940128: adjusted OR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.38–0.97, P = 0.038). Furthermore, rs1477196 was associated with the severity of NAFLD (OR = 2.95, 95% CI = 1.09–7.94, P = 0.034).
Conclusions
Our results demonstrated that the FTO gene was related to the presence and severity of NAFLD in a Chinese male population, and the relationships of the tested SNPs with NAFLD are most probably mediated by BMI.
1 Introduction
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), characterized by an excessive fat deposition in hepatocytes, excluding alcohol and other specific liver damaging factors [1], is an acquired metabolic stress liver injury closely related to insulin resistance and genetic predisposition. It can not only directly lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma but also affect the progression of other chronic liver diseases and be involved in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis [2]. It is estimated that NAFLD will become the leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality within 20 years.
The fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene is located on chromosome 16q12.2. As a predictor of metabolic disorders, the FTO gene plays a conclusive role in the command of energy balance and is highly expressed in many tissues, including fat and liver [3,4]. The relationships of FTO gene polymorphisms with metabolic diseases have been extensively studied. FTO rs9939609 and rs17817449 were reported to be related to metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and obesity [5,6]; rs8050136 and rs7195539 were associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus in a Uyghur population [7]. A study in western Spain found that rs9921255 and rs1477196 could increase the risk of obesity-related traits [8]. Other studies found that rs1121980 and rs8061518 were strongly related to obesity [9,10], and rs9940128 had relationships with type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity in south Indians [11]. Besides, Haupt et al. [12] have reported the relationship of FTO gene polymorphism with liver fat content and found that there was a significant effect of FTO rs8050136 on subcutaneous fat and a trend for liver fat content.
NAFLD is closely related to metabolic disorders, such as insulin resistance and obesity [13], and is also related to variability in some important NAFLD genes (i.e., PNPLA3 and TM6SF2) [14]. So far, the relationships of FTO gene variants with NAFLD risk remain unclear. Our study was designed to explore the relationships of FTO gene variations with NAFLD risk in a Chinese male population.
2 Participants and methods
2.1 Study population
We used a 1:2 nested case–control study design in our study, in which one NAFLD patient was matched to two non-NAFLD men on age (±3 years). The age-matched controls were selected randomly from all subjects without NAFLD. All participants were from the FAMHES cohort [15], which included 4,303 continuous male health examinees in the Medical Centre of Fangchenggang First People’s Hospital from September 2009 to December 2009. And participants with the following criteria were excluded: (1) coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, or cancer; (2) hepatitis history; (3) heavy drinkers (≥ 20 g/day, according to the published report [16]); and (4) without ultrasound diagnostic data. A total of 334 men were diagnosed with NAFLD and 59 of them had no data on genotyping. In the end, 275 cases of NAFLD and 550 controls matched for age in 1:2 were included in the analysis.
Informed consent: Informed consent has been obtained from all individuals included in this study.
Ethical approval: The research related to human use has been complied with all the relevant national regulations, institutional policies and in accordance with the tenets of the Helsinki Declaration and has been approved by the Guangxi Medical University Ethics Committee.
2.2 Data collection
We collected participants’ age, smoking status, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and medical history by the questionnaire survey methods. Drinkers were defined as consuming at least one drink of alcohol (beer, wine, or hard liquor) per week. Smokers were defined as smoking at least once a day for more than 6 months. The exercise intensity was classified as low, moderate, or high according to the questionnaire scoring protocol [15]. We measured the height, body weight, waist circumference (WC), and blood pressure (BP) according to a standard protocol. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated as weight (kg)/[height (m)]2, with BMI < 25.0 defined as normal weight and BMI ≥ 25 as obese [17]. Metabolic syndrome was defined as including the following three or more components [15]: (1) WC ≥ 90 cm; (2) triglycerides (TG) ≥ 1.7 mmol/L; (3) high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) < 1.03 mmol/L; (4) BP ≥ 130/85 mmHg or current use of antihypertensive medications; and (5) fasting blood glucose (FBG) ≥ 5.6 mmol/L.
2.3 Definition of NAFLD
The NAFLD was diagnosed with abdominal ultrasound, excluding the other causes [excessive drinking (≥ 20 g/day), viral or autoimmune liver disease, etc.] of chronic liver disease [18]. The liver size, structure, contour, echogenicity, and posterior beam attenuation were assessed independently by two sonographers using a portable ultrasound device (GE LOGIQ e, 5.0 MHz transducer; GE Healthcare, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, USA). Participants were ultrasonically diagnosed of fatty liver when having the following two or three symptoms [19]: (1) diffused liver enhanced near-field echo, with an echo intensity higher than that of the kidney; (2) dirty liver far-field echo decays; and (3) intrahepatic duct structure display is unclear.
2.4 Genotyping
The venous blood samples were collected, and genomic DNA was extracted. Nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs9939609, rs1121980, rs17817449, rs8050136, rs9940128, rs8061518, rs9921255, rs1477196, and rs7195539) of the FTO gene were selected, and these SNPs were reported to be related to metabolic disorders such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes [5,6,7,8,9,10,11]. The genotyping method has been described previously [20]. All genotyping reactions were performed in 384-well plates, and each plate included a duplicate and a negative control for 3–4 samples selected at random. The average concordance rate was 99.8%.
2.5 Statistical analysis
Numeric variables were described as mean ± standard deviation (SD) or median (quartile range) and analyzed with the t-test or rank-sum test. Categorical data were described as percentages (%) and analyzed using the x2 test. Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) was computed with the x2 test to compare the observed genotype frequencies with the expected genotype frequencies among the controls. We performed the binary logistic regression analysis to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and evaluate the relationships of SNPs with NAFLD risk. The confounding factors included BMI, uric acid, metabolic syndrome, smoking, and drinking. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 17.0 (Chicago, IL, USA) and SNPStats (a web tool for the analysis of association studies) [21], and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
3 Results
Characteristics of the 275 cases of NAFLD and 550 controls are described in Table 1. The mean age of the NAFLD group was 39.26 ± 1.28 years, similar to the controls (39.23 ± 1.28 years, P = 0.958). As expected, compared with the controls, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and the levels of FBG, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), uric acid, TG, total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) were all higher (all P < 0.01), and the HDL-c level was lower in the NAFLD group (P < 0.001). Besides, there were more smokers and drinkers among NAFLD patients (all P < 0.001). However, there was no difference in physical activity between the two groups (P = 0.539). Among the 275 NAFLD patients, the mild, moderate, and severe steatosis were 195 (70.91%), 62 (22.55%), and 18 (6.55%), respectively.
Baseline characteristics of the study population stratified for the absence and presence of NAFLD
| Characteristic | NAFLD group | Control group | P |
|---|---|---|---|
| n | 275 | 550 | |
| Age (years) | 39.26 ± 1.28 | 39.23 ± 1.28 | 0.958 |
| BMI | 26.40 ± 2.81 | 23.11 ± 3.07 | <0.001 |
| Glucose (mmol/L) | 5.51 ± 1.20 | 5.28 ± 1.14 | 0.001 |
| ALT (mmol/L) | 47.00 ± 1.44 | 41.13 ± 1.60 | <0.001 |
| TC (mmol/L) | 6.06 ± 1.04 | 5.73 ± 1.05 | <0.001 |
| TG (mmol/L) | 1.95 ± 1.85 | 1.18 ± 1.87 | <0.001 |
| HDL (mmol/L) | 1.26 ± 1.28 | 1.38 ± 1.23 | <0.001 |
| LDL (mmol/L) | 3.24 ± 0.78 | 2.98 ± 0.83 | <0.001 |
| Uric acid (µmol/L) | 412.34 ± 74.88 | 369.52 ± 81.42 | <0.001 |
| Metabolic syndrome (n, %) | 72 (26.18) | 42 (7.64) | <0.001 |
| DBP (mmHg) (M, QR) | 80 (18) | 78 (10) | <0.001 |
| SBP (mmHg) (M, QR) | 120 (20) | 120 (18.5) | 0.002 |
| Smoking (n, %) | 227 (82.55) | 304 (55.27) | <0.001 |
| Drinking (n, %) | 149 (54.18) | 83 (15.10) | <0.001 |
| Physical activity (n, %) | 0.539 | ||
| Low | 178 (64.7) | 368 (66.9) | |
| Moderate | 71 (25.8) | 139 (25.3) | |
| High | 26 (9.5) | 40 (7.3) | |
| The severity of NAFLD (n, %) | — | ||
| Mild | 195 (70.91) | — | |
| Moderate | 62 (22.55) | — | |
| Severe | 18 (6.55) | — |
Data are presented as mean ± SD. n, number; BMI, body mass index; ALT, alanine aminotransferase; TC, total cholesterol; TG, triglycerides; HDL, high-density lipoprotein; LDL, low-density lipoprotein; DBP, diastolic blood pressure; SBP, systolic blood pressure; M, median; QR, quartile range.
The genotype frequencies of the nine selected SNPs and their associations with risk of NAFLD are shown in Table 2. Logistic regression analysis showed that rs1477196 was significantly associated with the susceptibility to NAFLD in recessive genetic models (model 1), and carriers of the AA genotype increased the NAFLD risk in comparison with AG + GG carriers (OR = 2.52, 95% CI: 1.22–5.19, P = 0.012). However, the relativity weakened after adjustment for BMI (OR = 2.10, 95% CI: 0.93–4.72, P = 0.07 in model 2) and further for uric acid, metabolic syndrome, smoking, and drinking (OR = 2.18, 95% CI: 0.96–4.99, P = 0.06 in model 3). The other SNPs were not associated with the NAFLD risk in all genetic models. Besides, all the nine SNPs in the control group were in HWE (all P > 0.05, data not shown).
Distribution of the genotypes of FTO and their associations with risk of NAFLD
| Genotype frequencies, N | Model 1 | Model 2 | Model 3 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NAFLD | Controls | OR (95% CI) | P | OR (95% CI) | P | OR (95% CI) | P | ||
| rs1121980 | |||||||||
| Dominant | (AA + AG)/GG | 88/187 | 192/357 | 0.88 (0.64–1.19) | 0.39 | 0.79 (0.56–1.12) | 0.18 | 0.80 (0.56–1.14) | 0.21 |
| Recessive | AA/(AG + GG) | 14/261 | 16/533 | 1.79 (0.86–3.72) | 0.12 | 1.68 (0.73–3.87) | 0.22 | 1.64 (0.70–3.81) | 0.26 |
| Additive | AA/AG/GG | 14/74/187 | 16/176/357 | 0.97 (0.75–1.27) | 0.85 | 0.90 (0.67–1.21) | 0.48 | 0.90 (0.67–1.22) | 0.50 |
| rs1477196 | |||||||||
| Dominant | (AA + AG)/GG | 94/180 | 194/353 | 0.95(0.70–1.29) | 0.74 | 0.95 (0.67–1.34) | 0.77 | 0.93 (0.66–1.32) | 0.70 |
| Recessive | AA/(AG + GG) | 17/257 | 14/533 | 2.52 (1.22–5.19) | 0.012 | 2.10 (0.93–4.72) | 0.07 | 2.18 (0.96–4.99) | 0.06 |
| Additive | AA/AG/GG | 17/77/180 | 14/180/353 | 1.08 (0.84–1.40) | 0.55 | 1.06 (0.79–1.41) | 0.69 | 1.05 (0.79–1.41) | 0.73 |
| rs17817449 | |||||||||
| Dominant | (GG + TG)/TT | 68/207 | 144/406 | 0.93 (0.66–1.29) | 0.65 | 0.78 (0.53–1.13) | 0.18 | 0.78 (0.53–1.15) | 0.20 |
| Recessive | GG/(TG + TT) | 8/267 | 9/541 | 1.80 (0.69–4.72) | 0.24 | 1.34 (0.45–3.98) | 0.60 | 1.26 (0.41–3.87) | 0.69 |
| Additive | GG/TG/TT | 8/60/207 | 9/135/406 | 0.99 (0.74–1.33) | 0.96 | 0.84 (0.60–1.18) | 0.31 | 0.84 (0.60–1.18) | 0.32 |
| rs7195539 | |||||||||
| Dominant | (AG + GG)/AA | 46/228 | 111/437 | 0.79 (0.54–1.16) | 0.23 | 0.75 (0.49–1.15) | 0.18 | 0.72 (0.47–1.11) | 0.13 |
| Recessive | GG/(AA + AG) | 4/270 | 7/541 | 1.14 (0.33–3.95) | 0.83 | 2.38 (0.60–9.42) | 0.23 | 2.48 (0.61–10.05) | 0.21 |
| Additive | GG/AG/AA | 4/42/228 | 7/104/437 | 0.84 (0.59–1.18) | 0.30 | 0.83 (0.56–1.24) | 0.36 | 0.81 (0.54–1.21) | 0.30 |
| rs8050136 | |||||||||
| Dominant | (AA + AC)/CC | 68/207 | 142/407 | 0.94 (0.67–1.31) | 0.72 | 0.79 (0.54–1.16) | 0.22 | 0.80 (0.55–1.18) | 0.25 |
| Recessive | AA/(AC + CC) | 8/267 | 8/541 | 2.03 (0.75–5.46) | 0.17 | 1.54 (0.50–4.77) | 0.46 | 1.48 (0.46–4.73) | 0.51 |
| Additive | AA/AC/CC | 8/60/207 | 8/134/407 | 1.01 (0.75–1.36) | 0.93 | 0.86 (0.62–1.21) | 0.39 | 0.87 (0.62–1.22) | 0.41 |
| rs8061518 | |||||||||
| Dominant | (AG + GG)/AA | 183/92 | 342/206 | 1.20 (0.88–1.62) | 0.24 | 1.11 (0.79–1.57) | 0.54 | 1.14 (0.80–1.61) | 0.47 |
| Recessive | GG/(AA + AG) | 57/218 | 91/457 | 1.31 (0.91–1.90) | 0.15 | 1.28 (0.85–1.94) | 0.24 | 1.33 (0.87–2.02) | 0.19 |
| Additive | GG/AG/AA | 57/126/92 | 91/251/206 | 1.18 (0.96–1.44) | 0.12 | 1.13 (0.90–1.42) | 0.29 | 1.15 (0.91–1.45) | 0.23 |
| rs9921255 | |||||||||
| Dominant | (TC + CC)/TT | 53/215 | 107/421 | 0.97 (0.67–1.40) | 0.87 | 0.99 (0.65–1.49) | 0.95 | 1.03 (0.68–1.57) | 0.88 |
| Recessive | CC/(TC + TT) | 3/265 | 4/524 | 1.48 (0.33–6.67) | 0.61 | 1.00 (0.18–5.47) | 1.00 | 1.04 (0.19–5.80) | 0.96 |
| Additive | CC/TC/TT | 3/50/215 | 4/103/421 | 0.99 (0.70–1.40) | 0.97 | 0.99 (0.67–1.45) | 0.95 | 1.03 (0.70–1.52) | 0.88 |
| rs9939609 | |||||||||
| Dominant | (AA + TA)/TT | 68/207 | 140/406 | 0.95 (0.68–1.32) | 0.74 | 0.79 (0.54–1.16) | 0.23 | 0.80 (0.55–1.18) | 0.26 |
| Recessive | AA/(TT + TA) | 8/267 | 8/539 | 2.02 (0.75–5.44) | 0.17 | 1.53 (0.49–4.74) | 0.46 | 1.46 (0.46–4.69) | 0.52 |
| Additive | AA/TA/TT | 8/60/207 | 7/133/406 | 1.02 (0.76–1.37) | 0.91 | 0.87 (0.62–1.21) | 0.40 | 0.87 (0.62–1.22) | 0.42 |
| rs9940128 | |||||||||
| Dominant | (AA + AG)/GG | 89/186 | 195/355 | 0.87 (0.64–1.18) | 0.38 | 0.77 (0.54–1.09) | 0.14 | 0.78 (0.55–1.10) | 0.16 |
| Recessive | AA/(GG + AG) | 14/261 | 17/533 | 1.68 (0.82–3.46) | 0.16 | 1.66 (0.73–3.79) | 0.23 | 1.60 (0.69–3.72) | 0.27 |
| Additive | AA/AG/GG | 14/75/186 | 17/178/355 | 0.97 (0.74–1.25) | 0.79 | 0.88 (0.66–1.18) | 0.40 | 0.88 (0.65–1.19) | 0.41 |
Model 1 is not adjusted for other factors; model 2 is adjusted for BMI; model 3 is adjusted for BMI, uric acid, metabolic syndrome, smoking, and drinking.
We further evaluated the effect of FTO gene polymorphisms on NAFLD risk stratified by BMI. When BMI ≥ 25, significant correlations were found between genotypes of rs1121980, rs9940128 and susceptibility to NAFLD (Table 3). The AA + AG genotypes of rs1121980 and rs9940128 were associated with a decreased risk of NAFLD, compared with the GG genotype, respectively (rs1121980: adjusted OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.39–0.99, P = 0.044; rs9940128: adjusted OR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.38–0.97, P = 0.038). No significant correlations were observed between the nine SNPs of FTO and NAFLD risk in all genetic models when BMI < 25 (Table S1).
Distribution of the genotypes of FTO and their associations with risk of NAFLD when BMI ≥ 25
| Genotype distribution, N (%) | Dominant model | Recessive model | Additive model | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NAFLD | Controls | ORa (95% CI) | P | ORa (95% CI) | P | ORa (95% CI) | P | |
| rs1121980 | 0.62 (0.39–0.99) | 0.044 | 4.07 (0.88–18.83) | 0.14 | 0.81 (0.55–1.21) | 0.31 | ||
| GG | 133 (69.3) | 78 (59.1) | ||||||
| AG | 47 (24.5) | 52 (39.4) | ||||||
| AA | 12 (6.2) | 2 (1.5) | ||||||
| rs1477196 | 0.71 (0.44–1.14) | 0.16 | 2.06 (0.72–5.90) | 0.16 | 0.90 (0.62–1.30) | 0.56 | ||
| GG | 130 (68.1) | 80 (60.6) | ||||||
| AG | 47 (24.6) | 47 (35.6) | ||||||
| AA | 14 (7.3) | 5 (3.8) | ||||||
| rs17817449 | 0.67 (0.41–1.11) | 0.12 | 2.15 (0.43–10.81) | 0.33 | 0.79 (0.51–1.22) | 0.29 | ||
| TT | 144 (75) | 89 (67.4) | ||||||
| GT | 41 (21.4) | 41 (31.1) | ||||||
| GG | 7 (3.6) | 2 (1.5) | ||||||
| rs7195539 | 0.90 (0.51–1.59) | 0.71 | — | — | 1.00 (0.59–1.71) | 0.99 | ||
| AA | 156 (81.7) | 106 (80.3) | ||||||
| GA | 32 (16.8) | 26 (19.7) | ||||||
| GG | 3 (1.6) | 0 (0) | ||||||
| rs8050136 | 0.70 (0.43–1.15) | 0.16 | 2.15 (0.43–10.81) | 0.33 | 0.82 (0.53–1.26) | 0.36 | ||
| CC | 144 (75) | 144 (75) | ||||||
| AC | 41 (21.4) | 41 (21.4) | ||||||
| AA | 7 (3.6) | 2 (1.5) | ||||||
| rs8061518 | 1.21 (0.76–1.95) | 0.42 | 1.35 (0.77–2.37) | 0.29 | 1.19 (0.87–1.62) | 0.27 | ||
| AA | 63 (32.8) | 49 (37.4) | ||||||
| GA | 85 (44.3) | 58 (44.3) | ||||||
| GG | 44 (22.9) | 24 (18.3) | ||||||
| rs9921255 | 1.30 (0.71–2.36) | 0.39 | 1.91 (0.19–19.55) | 0.57 | 1.29 (0.75–2.24) | 0.35 | ||
| TT | 150 (80.2) | 106 (83.5) | ||||||
| CT | 34 (18.2) | 20 (15.8) | ||||||
| CC | 3 (1.6) | 3 (1.6) | ||||||
| rs9939609 | 0.69 (0.42–1.14) | 0.15 | 2.12 (0.42–10.66) | 0.34 | 0.81 (0.52–1.24) | 0.33 | ||
| TT | 144 (75) | 89 (67.9) | ||||||
| AT | 41 (21.4) | 40 (30.5) | ||||||
| AA | 7 (3.6) | 2 (1.5) | ||||||
| rs9940128 | 0.61 (0.38–0.97) | 0.038 | 4.07 (0.88–18.83) | 0.14 | 0.81 (0.54–1.19) | 0.28 | ||
| GG | 132 (68.8) | 77 (58.3) | ||||||
| AG | 48 (25) | 53 (40.1) | ||||||
| AA | 12 (6.2) | 2 (1.5) | ||||||
- a
Adjusted for BMI, uric acid, metabolic syndrome, smoking, and drinking.
Distribution of the genotypes of FTO and their associations with risk of NAFLD when BMI < 25
| Genotype distribution, N (%) | Dominant model | Recessive model | Additive model | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NAFLD | Controls | ORa (95% CI) | P | ORa (95% CI) | P | ORa (95% CI) | P | |
| rs1121980 | 0.98 (0.57–1.69) | 0.95 | 0.62 (0.13–2.97) | 0.53 | 0.94 (0.59–1.50) | 0.79 | ||
| GG | 53 (64.6) | 279 (66.9) | ||||||
| AG | 27 (32.9) | 124 (29.7) | ||||||
| AA | 2 (2.4) | 14 (3.4) | ||||||
| rs1477196 | 1.38 (0.81–2.33) | 0.24 | 2.39 (0.57–10.10) | 0.26 | 1.40 (0.88–2.24) | 0.16 | ||
| GG | 49 (59.8) | 273 (65.8) | ||||||
| AG | 30 (36.6) | 133 (32) | ||||||
| AA | 3 (3.7) | 9 (2.2) | ||||||
| rs17817449 | 0.81 (0.44–1.49) | 0.50 | 0.49 (0.05–4.44) | 0.49 | 0.80 (0.46–1.39) | 0.43 | ||
| TT | 62 (75.6) | 317 (75.8) | ||||||
| GT | 19 (23.2) | 94 (22.5) | ||||||
| GG | 1 (1.2) | 7 (1.7) | ||||||
| rs7195539 | 0.59 (0.29–1.23) | 0.14 | 1.41 (0.15–13.56) | 0.77 | 0.66 (0.33–1.29) | 0.20 | ||
| AA | 71 (86.6) | 331 (79.6) | ||||||
| GA | 10 (12.2) | 78 (18.8) | ||||||
| GG | 1 (1.2) | 7 (1.7) | ||||||
| rs8050136 | 0.81 (0.44–1.49) | 0.50 | 0.74 (0.08–6.90) | 0.78 | 0.82 (0.47–1.44) | 0.49 | ||
| CC | 62 (75.6) | 317 (76.0) | ||||||
| AC | 19 (23.2) | 94 (22.5) | ||||||
| AA | 1 (1.2) | 6 (1.4) | ||||||
| rs8061518 | 1.16 (0.67–2.02) | 0.59 | 1.19 (0.59–2.39) | 0.62 | 1.13 (0.77–1.66) | 0.53 | ||
| AA | 29 (35.4) | 157 (37.6) | ||||||
| GA | 40 (48.8) | 193 (46.3) | ||||||
| GG | 13 (15.8) | 67 (16.1) | ||||||
| rs9921255 | 0.81 (0.42–1.55) | 0.53 | – | – | 0.79 (0.42–1.48) | 0.45 | ||
| TT | 65 (81.2) | 315 (78.5) | ||||||
| CT | 15 (18.8) | 83 (20.7) | ||||||
| CC | 0 (0) | 3 (0.8) | ||||||
| rs9939609 | 0.84 (0.46–1.54) | 0.57 | 0.73 (0.08–6.82) | 0.77 | 0.84 (0.48–1.48) | 0.55 | ||
| TT | 62 (75.6) | 317 (76.2) | ||||||
| AT | 19 (23.2) | 93 (22.4) | ||||||
| AA | 1 (1.2) | 6 (1.4) | ||||||
| rs9940128 | 0.97 (0.57–1.67) | 0.92 | 0.61 (0.13–2.92) | 0.51 | 0.93 (0.58–1.49) | 0.76 | ||
| GG | 53 (64.6) | 278 (66.5) | ||||||
| AG | 27 (32.9) | 125 (29.9) | ||||||
| AA | 2 (2.4) | 15 (3.6) | ||||||
- a
Adjusted for BMI, uric acid, metabolic syndrome, smoking, and drinking.
Linkage disequilibrium information on the nine SNPs is shown in Table S2. Haplotype analysis of nine SNPs in FTO was performed to evaluate the effect of haplotypes on NAFLD risk, and no significant relationships were found in all subjects or those with BMI ≥ 25 or < 25 (Tables S3 and S4). The analysis of the associations between the nine SNPs and BMI is reported in Table S5, and no associations were found in the subject with NAFLD or the controls (all P > 0.05).
Linkage disequilibrium between pairs of the nine SNPs
| rs1477196 | rs17817449 | rs7195539 | rs8050136 | rs8061518 | rs9921255 | rs9939609 | rs9940128 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| rs1121980 | D = 0.998 | D = 1.000 | D = 0.325 | D = 1.000 | D = 0.134 | D = 0.018 | D = 1.000 | D = 1.000 |
| r2 = 0.056 | r2 = 0.697 | r2 = 0.052 | r2 = 0.686 | r2 = 0.003 | r2 = 0.000 | r2 = 0.693 | r2 = 0.980 | |
| rs1477196 | D = 0.994 | D = 0.356 | D = 0.994 | D = 0.279 | D = 0.033 | D = 0.994 | D = 0.998 | |
| r2 = 0.039 | r2 = 0.003 | r2 = 0.038 | r2 = 0.027 | r2 = 0.000 | r2 = 0.038 | r2 = 0.057 | ||
| rs17817449 | D = 0.144 | D = 1.000 | D = 0.041 | D = 0.124 | D = 1.000 | D = 1.000 | ||
| r2 = 0.015 | r2 = 0.985 | r2 = 0.000 | r2 = 0.000 | r2 = 1.000 | r2 = 0.683 | |||
| rs7195539 | D = 0.147 | D = 0.999 | D = 0.103 | D = 0.140 | D = 0.320 | |||
| r2 = 0.015 | r2 = 0.079 | r2 = 0.010 | r2 = 0.014 | r2 = 0.049 | ||||
| rs8050136 | D = 0.038 | D = 0.100 | D = 1.000 | D = 1.000 | ||||
| r2 = 0.000 | r2 = 0.000 | r2 = 1.000 | r2 = 0.673 | |||||
| rs8061518 | D = 0.063 | D = 0.045 | D = 0.133 | |||||
| r2 = 0.000 | r2 = 0.000 | r2 = 0.003 | ||||||
| rs9921255 | D = 0.096 | D = 0.051 | ||||||
| r2 = 0.000 | r2 = 0.000 | |||||||
| rs9939609 | D = 1.000 | |||||||
| r2 = 0.680 |
Association analysis of haplotypes derived from polymorphic sites using genotype data.
| Haplotype | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | OR (95% CI) | P1 | OR (95% CI) | P2 | OR (95% CI) | P3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H1 | G | G | T | A | C | G | T | T | G | 0.76 (0.55–1.06) | 0.11 | 0.84 (0.58–1.22) | 0.36 | 0.86 (0.58–1.26) | 0.43 |
| H2 | G | A | T | A | C | G | T | T | G | 0.88 (0.59–1.30) | 0.52 | 0.93 (0.60–1.45) | 0.75 | 0.88 (0.56–1.39) | 0.58 |
| H3 | G | A | T | A | C | A | T | T | G | 0.98 (0.56–1.71) | 0.93 | 1.21 (0.63–2.33) | 0.56 | 1.32 (0.67–2.59) | 0.43 |
| H4 | A | G | G | A | A | G | T | A | A | 0.97 (0.55–1.72) | 0.92 | 1.22 (0.60–2.48) | 0.59 | 1.16 (0.57–2.39) | 0.68 |
| H5 | A | G | G | A | A | A | T | A | A | 0.85 (0.46–1.58) | 0.62 | 0.99 (0.47–2.09) | 0.98 | 1.04 (0.47–2.28) | 0.92 |
| H6 | G | G | T | G | C | A | T | T | G | 2.37 (0.90–6.23) | 0.08 | 2.64 (0.86–8.14) | 0.09 | 2.43 (0.78–7.56) | 0.13 |
| H7 | G | G | T | A | C | G | C | T | G | 1.21 (0.45–3.29) | 0.71 | 1.20 (0.43–3.34) | 0.73 | 1.13 (0.40–3.19) | 0.82 |
| H8 | G | G | T | A | C | A | C | T | G | 0.75 (0.26–2.19) | 0.60 | 0.77 (0.23–2.61) | 0.68 | 0.76 (0.21–2.72) | 0.67 |
| H9 | A | G | G | G | A | A | T | A | A | 0.94 (0.42–2.12) | 0.88 | 1.16 (0.44–3.08) | 0.77 | 1.21 (0.45–3.27) | 0.70 |
| H10 | A | G | T | G | C | A | T | T | A | 0.67 (0.30–1.52) | 0.34 | 0.69 (0.28–1.72) | 0.43 | 0.68 (0.27–1.74) | 0.42 |
| H11 | A | G | T | A | C | A | T | T | A | 1.75 (0.59–5.16) | 0.31 | 1.31 (0.40–4.29) | 0.65 | 1.34 (0.40–4.52) | 0.64 |
| H12 | G | G | T | G | C | A | C | T | G | 1.06 (0.33–3.40) | 0.92 | 1.29 (0.37–4.50) | 0.69 | 1.35 (0.39–4.64) | 0.22 |
| H13 | G | A | T | G | C | A | T | T | G | 0.51 (0.13–2.03) | 0.34 | 0.37 (0.08–1.62) | 0.19 | 0.40 (0.09–1.72) | 1.00 |
1, rs1121980; 2, rs1477196; 3, rs17817449; 4, rs7195539; 5, rs8050136; 6, rs8061518; 7, rs9921255; 8, rs9939609; 9, rs9940128; P1 value is not adjusted for other factors; P2 value is adjusted for BMI; P3 is adjusted for BMI, uric acid, metabolic syndrome, smoking, and drinking.
Association analysis of haplotypes derived from polymorphic sites using genotype data stratified by BMI
| Haplotype | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | OR (95% CI) | P1 | OR (95% CI) | P2 | OR (95% CI) | P3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMI ≥ 25 | |||||||||||||||
| H1 | G | G | T | A | C | G | T | T | G | 0.69 (0.42–1.13) | 0.14 | 0.69 (0.42–1.14) | 0.14 | 0.69 (0.41–1.16) | 0.16 |
| H2 | G | A | T | A | C | G | T | T | G | 1.17 (0.65–2.09) | 0.60 | 1.17 (0.65–2.10) | 0.61 | 1.14 (0.63–2.04) | 0.67 |
| H3 | G | A | T | A | C | A | T | T | G | 1.03 (0.50–2.13) | 0.93 | 1.04 (0.50––2.17) | 0.91 | 1.03 (0.50–2.14) | 0.93 |
| H4 | A | G | G | A | A | A | T | A | A | 0.76 (0.33–1.76) | 0.53 | 0.78 (0.33–1.83) | 0.56 | 0.73 (0.30–1.74) | 0.47 |
| H5 | A | G | G | A | A | G | T | A | A | 1.26 (0.57–2.79) | 0.57 | 1.25 (0.55–2.82) | 0.60 | 1.40 (0.61–3.20) | 0.43 |
| H6 | G | G | T | A | C | A | C | T | G | 1.25 (0.32–4.84) | 0.74 | 1.22 (0.32–4.68) | 0.77 | 1.23 (0.34–4.41) | 0.75 |
| H7 | A | G | G | G | A | A | T | A | A | 1.34 (0.36–4.96) | 0.66 | 1.39 (0.37–5.18) | 0.63 | 1.18 (0.31–4.46) | 0.81 |
| H8 | G | G | T | G | C | A | T | T | G | 0.52 (0.15–1.82) | 0.30 | 0.49 (0.14–1.75) | 0.27 | 0.54 (0.15–1.88) | 0.33 |
| H9 | A | G | T | G | C | A | T | T | A | 0.77 (0.19–3.06) | 0.71 | 0.83 (0.20–3.39) | 0.80 | 0.87 (0.21–3.55) | 0.85 |
| H10 | G | G | T | A | C | G | C | T | G | 0.66 (0.16–2.77) | 0.57 | 0.64 (0.15–2.75) | 0.55 | 0.62 (0.15–2.61) | 0.51 |
| BMI < 25 | |||||||||||||||
| H1 | G | G | T | A | C | G | T | T | G | 1.11 (0.62–1.98) | 0.73 | 1.11 (0.60–2.06) | 0.73 | 0.98 (0.51–1.89) | 0.96 |
| H2 | G | A | T | A | C | G | T | T | G | 0.65 (0.36–1.17) | 0.15 | 0.70 (0.37–1.31) | 0.26 | 0.55 (0.28–1.06) | 0.08 |
| H3 | A | G | G | A | A | G | T | A | A | 1.53 (0.47–4.98) | 0.48 | 1.58 (0.52–4.80) | 0.42 | 1.45 (0.46–4.53) | 0.52 |
| H4 | G | A | T | A | C | A | T | T | G | 1.27 (0.37–4.34) | 0.70 | 1.17 (0.34–4.05) | 0.81 | 1.42 (0.40–5.05) | 0.59 |
| H5 | A | G | G | A | A | A | T | A | A | 0.60 (0.19–1.84) | 0.37 | 0.79 (0.25–2.54) | 0.70 | 0.72 (0.20–2.54) | 0.61 |
| H6 | G | G | T | G | C | A | T | T | G | 3.09 (0.44–22.01) | 0.26 | 2.57 (0.28–23.43) | 0.40 | 2.63 (0.29–24.27) | 0.39 |
| H7 | G | G | T | A | C | G | C | T | G | 0.55 (0.17–1.83) | 0.33 | 0.67 (0.19–2.39) | 0.53 | 2.21 (0.36–13.58) | 0.39 |
| H8 | G | G | T | A | C | A | C | T | G | 1.92 (0.36–10.34) | 0.45 | 2.46 (0.43–13.97) | 0.31 | 0.52 (0.14–1.97) | 0.33 |
| H9 | A | G | T | A | C | A | T | T | A | 1.05 (0.29–3.84) | 0.94 | 0.92 (0.24–3.57) | 0.90 | 0.86 (0.22–3.44) | 0.84 |
| H10 | A | G | G | G | A | A | T | A | A | 0.96 (0.24–3.95) | 0.96 | 1.07 (0.26–4.32) | 0.93 | 1.20 (0.28–5.06) | 0.81 |
| H11 | A | G | T | G | C | A | T | T | A | 1.34 (0.22–8.17) | 0.75 | 1.48 (0.22–9.74) | 0.69 | 0.98 (0.16–6.21) | 0.98 |
| H12 | G | A | T | G | C | A | T | T | G | 0.59 (0.10–3.36) | 0.55 | 0.44 (0.05–3.50) | 0.44 | 0.43 (0.06–3.25) | 0.41 |
| H13 | A | G | T | A | C | G | T | T | A | 0.29 (0.04–1.87) | 0.19 | 0.37 (0.06–2.41) | 0.30 | 0.24 (0.04–1.58) | 0.14 |
1, rs1121980; 2, rs1477196; 3, rs17817449; 4, rs7195539; 5, rs8050136; 6, rs8061518; 7, rs9921255; 8, rs9939609; 9, rs9940128; P1 value is not adjusted for other factors; P2 value is adjusted for BMI; P3 is adjusted for BMI, uric acid, metabolic syndrome, smoking, and drinking.
Association between SNPs and BMI investigated in NAFLD and control groups
| NAFLD group | Control group | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| n | M ± SD | P | n | M ± SD | P | ||
| rs1121980 | GG | 180 | 26.47 ± 2.862 | 0.45 | 357 | 22.43 ± 2.982 | 0.14 |
| AG | 77 | 26.10 ± 2.830 | 176 | 22.97 ± 3.348 | |||
| AA | 17 | 26.94 ± 2.221 | 16 | 22.13 ± 3.096 | |||
| rs1477196 | GG | 187 | 26.43 ± 2.848 | 0.53 | 353 | 22.57 ± 3.069 | 0.95 |
| GA | 74 | 26.18 ± 2.785 | 180 | 22.66 ± 3.238 | |||
| AA | 14 | 27.07 ± 2.515 | 14 | 22.64 ± 2.818 | |||
| rs17817449 | TT | 207 | 26.34 ± 2.859 | 0.55 | 406 | 22.43 ± 2.995 | 0.16 |
| GT | 60 | 26.43 ± 2.697 | 135 | 22.43 ± 3.406 | |||
| GG | 8 | 27.45 ± 2.534 | 9 | 22.89 ± 3.371 | |||
| rs7195539 | AA | 228 | 26.33 ± 2.832 | 0.36 | 437 | 22.59 ± 3.110 | 0.07 |
| GA | 42 | 26.87 ± 2.807 | 104 | 22.80 ± 3.120 | |||
| GG | 4 | 25.19 ± 1.571 | 7 | 20.00 ± 2.380 | |||
| rs8050136 | CC | 207 | 26.34 ± 2.859 | 0.55 | 407 | 22.44 ± 3.003 | 0.16 |
| AC | 60 | 26.43 ± 2.697 | 134 | 23.04 ± 3.375 | |||
| AA | 8 | 27.45 ± 2.534 | 8 | 22.75 ± 3.576 | |||
| rs8061518 | AA | 92 | 26.36 ± 3.138 | 0.94 | 206 | 22.42 ± 3.001 | 0.60 |
| GA | 126 | 26.37 ± 2.681 | 251 | 22.71 ± 3.265 | |||
| GG | 57 | 26.52 ± 2.578 | 91 | 22.62 ± 2.947 | |||
| rs9921255 | TT | 215 | 26.30 ± 2.846 | 0.58 | 421 | 22.63 ± 3.198 | 0.73 |
| CT | 50 | 26.59 ± 2.421 | 103 | 22.40 ± 2.795 | |||
| CC | 3 | 27.66 ± 2.346 | 4 | 23.25 ± 3.304 | |||
| rs9939609 | TT | 207 | 26.34 ± 2.859 | 0.55 | 406 | 22.43 ± 2.995 | 0.16 |
| AT | 60 | 26.43 ± 2.697 | 133 | 23.03 ± 3.387 | |||
| AA | 8 | 27.45 ± 2.534 | 8 | 22.75 ± 3.576 | |||
| rs9940128 | GG | 186 | 26.40 ± 2.829 | 0.61 | 355 | 22.41 ± 2.950 | 0.08 |
| AG | 75 | 26.25 ± 2.840 | 178 | 23.00 ± 3.383 | |||
| AA | 14 | 27.07 ± 2.515 | 17 | 21.88 ± 3.160 | |||
The analysis of the associations between the nine SNPs and the severity of NAFLD is reported in Table 4. Rs1477196 was associated with the severity of NAFLD, and carriers of the AA genotype showed approximately a 2.95-fold increased risk of the moderate–severe NAFLD, compared with the AG + GG carriers (OR = 2.95, 95% CI = 1.09–7.94, P = 0.034). The other SNPs were not related to the severity of NAFLD (Table 4).
Distribution of the genotypes of FTO and severity of the disease studied in the NAFLD group
| Genotype frequencies, N | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mild | Moderate–severe | OR (95% CI) | P | ||
| rs1121980 | |||||
| Dominant | (AA + AG)/GG | 54/127 | 20/60 | 0.62 (0.35–1.12) | 0.11 |
| Recessive | AA/(AG + GG) | 10/181 | 2/78 | 0.39 (0.09–1.79) | 0.18 |
| Additive | AA/AG/GG | 10/44/127 | 2/18/60 | 0.64 (0.39–1.06) | 0.071 |
| rs1477196 | |||||
| Dominant | (AA + AG)/GG | 66/128 | 28/52 | 1.04 (0.60–1.80) | 0.88 |
| Recessive | AA/(AG + GG) | 8/186 | 9/71 | 2.95 (1.09–7.94) | 0.034 |
| Additive | AA/AG/GG | 8/58/128 | 9/19/52 | 1.24 (0.82–1.89) | 0.32 |
| rs17817449 | |||||
| Dominant | (GG + TG)/TT | 52/143 | 16/64 | 0.69 (0.37–1.29) | 0.24 |
| Recessive | GG/(TG + TT) | 7/188 | 1/79 | 0.34 (0.04–2.81) | 0.26 |
| Additive | GG/GT/TT | 7/45/143 | 1/15/64 | 0.69 (0.39–1.20) | 0.17 |
| rs7195539 | |||||
| Dominant | (AG + GG)/AA | 31/163 | 16/65 | 1.21 (0.61–2.40) | 0.58 |
| Recessive | GG/(AA + AG) | 4/190 | 1/79 | 0.34 (0.04–2.81) | 0.095 |
| Additive | GG/GA/AA | 4/27/163 | 1/15/64 | 1.04 (0.56–1.92) | 0.90 |
| rs8050136 | |||||
| Dominant | (AA + AC)/CC | 52/143 | 16/64 | 0.69 (0.37–1.29) | 0.24 |
| Recessive | AA/(AC + CC) | 7/188 | 1/79 | 0.34 (0.04–2.81) | 0.26 |
| Additive | AA/AC/CC | 7/45/143 | 1/15/64 | 0.69 (0.39–1.20) | 0.17 |
| rs8061518 | |||||
| Dominant | (AG + GG)/AA | 130/65 | 53/27 | 0.98 (0.57–1.70) | 0.95 |
| Recessive | GG/(AA + AG) | 41/154 | 16/64 | 0.94 (0.49–1.79) | 0.85 |
| Additive | GG/AG/AA | 41/89/65 | 16/37/27 | 0.97 (0.68–1.39) | 0.88 |
| rs9921255 | |||||
| Dominant | (TC + CC)/TT | 35/154 | 18/61 | 1.30 (0.68–2.47) | 0.43 |
| Recessive | CC/(TC + TT) | 2/187 | 1/78 | 1.20 (0.11–13.41) | 0.88 |
| Additive | CC/TC/TT | 2/33/154 | 1/17/61 | 1.26 (0.70–2.27) | 0.45 |
| rs9939609 | |||||
| Dominant | (AA + TA)/TT | 52/143 | 16/64 | 0.69 (0.37–1.29) | 0.24 |
| Recessive | AA/(TT + TA) | 7/188 | 1/79 | 0.34 (0.04–2.81) | 0.26 |
| Additive | AA/AT/TT | 7/45/143 | 1/15/64 | 0.69 (0.39–1.20) | 0.17 |
| rs9940128 | |||||
| Dominant | (AA + AG)/GG | 68/127 | 21/59 | 0.66 (0.37–1.19) | 0.16 |
| Recessive | AA/(GG + AG) | 12/183 | 2/78 | 0.39 (0.09–1.79) | 0.18 |
| Additive | AA/AG/GG | 12/56/127 | 2/19/59 | 0.67 (0.41–1.10) | 0.10 |
4 Discussion
Although several risk factors for NAFLD [22,23] had already been determined, the discovery of new genetic markers will advance the identification of individuals susceptible to the development of this disease. This might help ease the burden of NAFLD on individuals and society through the use of screening and proper interventions in those at risk of developing NAFLD. Previous studies suggested that FTO gene polymorphisms were commonly correlated with metabolic disorders, especially central obesity, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), insulin resistance, and hypertriglyceridemia [24], which are tightly related to NAFLD [25]. Therefore, FTO gene polymorphisms might have important implications related to NAFLD.
In this study, we performed an association analysis of NAFLD with nine FTO gene polymorphisms that have been previously found to be associated with metabolic disorders. Our study found that FTO rs1477196 was significantly associated with NAFLD risk in a Chinese male population and carriers of the AA genotype increased the NAFLD risk, in comparison with AG + GG carriers. Besides, rs1477196 was also associated with the severity of NAFLD. Previous study [26] reported that rs1477196 A allele was associated with an increased risk of obesity that was closely related to NAFLD, which indirectly supported our results. Nevertheless, after further adjustments for BMI, the relationship of rs1477196 and NAFLD weakened, suggesting that the relationship might be partly dependent on BMI. We further evaluated the relationships of FTO gene polymorphisms with NAFLD risk stratified by BMI. Our results found that in obese men, rs1121980 and rs9940128 were associated with NAFLD risk in the dominant model after adjusting for BMI, uric acid, metabolic syndrome, smoking, and drinking. No significant correlations were observed between FTO gene polymorphisms and NAFLD risk when BMI < 25. These results indicated the interaction between FTO gene polymorphisms and obesity for NAFLD risk.
Moreover, an animal model study of FTO expression in rat liver with NAFLD proposed that overexpression of FTO enhances oxidative stress and lipid accumulation [27]. Oxidative stress is the core feature of the pathogenesis of NAFLD and plays a critical role in the progress of this disease [28]. Notwithstanding the mechanism of FTO gene on lipid overaccumulation in liver has not been previously studied, FTO overexpression increases the rate of lipogenesis [29]. Coincidentally, another study on fatty liver disease in HIV-infected patients also put forward a similar opinion [30]. They proposed that FTO gene variations might be independent predictors of fatty liver disease in HIV-infected patients. To a certain degree, the results that the FTO gene polymorphisms are associated with NAFLD risk in our study are in agreement with the literature and highlight the role of the gene in metabolic disorder in Chinese population.
There were some limitations in our study. First, only males were included in this study, so we should be prudent when extrapolating the findings to women, and studies on females should be considered in the future. Second, the sample size of this study is moderate, which limited the subsequent stratified analysis, such as the severity of NAFLD. Third, our study included nine SNPs and multiple testing might increase the false-positive (type I error) rate under nominal significance thresholds. Therefore, large population-based prospective studies are needed to elucidate the impact of FTO SNPs on NAFLD risk.
5 Conclusion
Our results demonstrated that the FTO gene was related to the presence and severity of NAFLD in a Chinese male population, and the relationships of the tested SNPs with NAFLD are most probably mediated by BMI. In order to better uncover the relationships between FTO gene polymorphisms and NAFLD, further investigations would be required to assess the clinical consequences of FTO affecting hepatic fatty infiltration in different races, particularly among those who are overweight or obese.
Acknowledgments
This study was supported by the Foundation for Young and Middle-Aged Teachers’ Basic Ability Enhancement Project of Guangxi (grant no. KY2016YB074) and the Guangxi Natural Science Foundation (grant no. 2016GXNSFAA380152).
Conflict of interest: The authors state no conflict of interest.
Data availability statement: The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
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© 2020 Xuefen Chen et al., published by De Gruyter
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Articles in the same Issue
- Plant Sciences
- Dependence of the heterosis effect on genetic distance, determined using various molecular markers
- Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) Regulated Phyto and Microbial Beneficial Protein Interactions
- Role of strigolactones: Signalling and crosstalk with other phytohormones
- An efficient protocol for regenerating shoots from paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera) leaf explants
- Functional divergence and adaptive selection of KNOX gene family in plants
- In silico identification of Capsicum type III polyketide synthase genes and expression patterns in Capsicum annuum
- In vitro induction and characterisation of tetraploid drumstick tree (Moringa oleifera Lam.)
- CRISPR/Cas9 or prime editing? – It depends on…
- Study on the optimal antagonistic effect of a bacterial complex against Monilinia fructicola in peach
- Natural variation in stress response induced by low CO2 in Arabidopsis thaliana
- The complete mitogenome sequence of the coral lily (Lilium pumilum) and the Lanzhou lily (Lilium davidii) in China
- Ecology and Environmental Sciences
- Use of phosphatase and dehydrogenase activities in the assessment of calcium peroxide and citric acid effects in soil contaminated with petrol
- Analysis of ethanol dehydration using membrane separation processes
- Activity of Vip3Aa1 against Periplaneta americana
- Thermostable cellulase biosynthesis from Paenibacillus alvei and its utilization in lactic acid production by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation
- Spatiotemporal dynamics of terrestrial invertebrate assemblages in the riparian zone of the Wewe river, Ashanti region, Ghana
- Antifungal activity of selected volatile essential oils against Penicillium sp.
- Toxic effect of three imidazole ionic liquids on two terrestrial plants
- Biosurfactant production by a Bacillus megaterium strain
- Distribution and density of Lutraria rhynchaena Jonas, 1844 relate to sediment while reproduction shows multiple peaks per year in Cat Ba-Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
- Biomedical Sciences
- Treatment of Epilepsy Associated with Common Chromosomal Developmental Diseases
- A Mouse Model for Studying Stem Cell Effects on Regeneration of Hair Follicle Outer Root Sheaths
- Morphine modulates hippocampal neurogenesis and contextual memory extinction via miR-34c/Notch1 pathway in male ICR mice
- Composition, Anticholinesterase and Antipedicular Activities of Satureja capitata L. Volatile Oil
- Weight loss may be unrelated to dietary intake in the imiquimod-induced plaque psoriasis mice model
- Construction of recombinant lentiviral vector containing human stem cell leukemia gene and its expression in interstitial cells of cajal
- Knockdown of lncRNA KCNQ1OT1 inhibits glioma progression by regulating miR-338-3p/RRM2
- Protective effect of asiaticoside on radiation-induced proliferation inhibition and DNA damage of fibroblasts and mice death
- Prevalence of dyslipidemia in Tibetan monks from Gansu Province, Northwest China
- Sevoflurane inhibits proliferation, invasion, but enhances apoptosis of lung cancer cells by Wnt/β-catenin signaling via regulating lncRNA PCAT6/ miR-326 axis
- MiR-542-3p suppresses neuroblastoma cell proliferation and invasion by downregulation of KDM1A and ZNF346
- Calcium Phosphate Cement Causes Nucleus Pulposus Cell Degeneration Through the ERK Signaling Pathway
- Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells Exhibit Osteogenic Differentiation Potential
- MiR-489-3p inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and induces apoptosis, by targeting the BDNF-mediated PI3K/AKT pathway in glioblastoma
- Long non-coding RNA TUG1 knockdown hinders the tumorigenesis of multiple myeloma by regulating the microRNA-34a-5p/NOTCH1 signaling pathway
- Large Brunner’s gland adenoma of the duodenum for almost 10 years
- Neurotrophin-3 accelerates reendothelialization through inducing EPC mobilization and homing
- Hepatoprotective effects of chamazulene against alcohol-induced liver damage by alleviation of oxidative stress in rat models
- FXYD6 overexpression in HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma with cirrhosis
- Risk factors for elevated serum colorectal cancer markers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Effect of hepatic sympathetic nerve removal on energy metabolism in an animal model of cognitive impairment and its relationship to Glut2 expression
- Progress in research on the role of fibrinogen in lung cancer
- Advanced glycation end product levels were correlated with inflammation and carotid atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetes patients
- MiR-223-3p regulates cell viability, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of non-small cell lung cancer cells by targeting RHOB
- Knockdown of DDX46 inhibits trophoblast cell proliferation and migration through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in preeclampsia
- Buformin suppresses osteosarcoma via targeting AMPK signaling pathway
- Effect of FibroScan test in antiviral therapy for HBV-infected patients with ALT <2 upper limit of normal
- LncRNA SNHG15 regulates osteosarcoma progression in vitro and in vivo via sponging miR-346 and regulating TRAF4 expression
- LINC00202 promotes retinoblastoma progression by regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, and aerobic glycolysis through miR-204-5p/HMGCR axis
- Coexisting flavonoids and administration route effect on pharmacokinetics of Puerarin in MCAO rats
- GeneXpert Technology for the diagnosis of HIV-associated tuberculosis: Is scale-up worth it?
- Circ_001569 regulates FLOT2 expression to promote the proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT of osteosarcoma cells through sponging miR-185-5p
- Lnc-PICSAR contributes to cisplatin resistance by miR-485-5p/REV3L axis in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
- BRCA1 subcellular localization regulated by PI3K signaling pathway in triple-negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells and hormone-sensitive T47D cells
- MYL6B drives the capabilities of proliferation, invasion, and migration in rectal adenocarcinoma through the EMT process
- Inhibition of lncRNA LINC00461/miR-216a/aquaporin 4 pathway suppresses cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and chemoresistance in glioma
- Upregulation of miR-150-5p alleviates LPS-induced inflammatory response and apoptosis of RAW264.7 macrophages by targeting Notch1
- Long non-coding RNA LINC00704 promotes cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in papillary thyroid carcinoma via miR-204-5p/HMGB1 axis
- Neuroanatomy of melanocortin-4 receptor pathway in the mouse brain
- Lipopolysaccharides promote pulmonary fibrosis in silicosis through the aggravation of apoptosis and inflammation in alveolar macrophages
- Influences of advanced glycosylation end products on the inner blood–retinal barrier in a co-culture cell model in vitro
- MiR-4328 inhibits proliferation, metastasis and induces apoptosis in keloid fibroblasts by targeting BCL2 expression
- Aberrant expression of microRNA-132-3p and microRNA-146a-5p in Parkinson’s disease patients
- Long non-coding RNA SNHG3 accelerates progression in glioma by modulating miR-384/HDGF axis
- Long non-coding RNA NEAT1 mediates MPTP/MPP+-induced apoptosis via regulating the miR-124/KLF4 axis in Parkinson’s disease
- PCR-detectable Candida DNA exists a short period in the blood of systemic candidiasis murine model
- CircHIPK3/miR-381-3p axis modulates proliferation, migration, and glycolysis of lung cancer cells by regulating the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway
- Reversine and herbal Xiang–Sha–Liu–Jun–Zi decoction ameliorate thioacetamide-induced hepatic injury by regulating the RelA/NF-κB/caspase signaling pathway
- Therapeutic effects of coronary granulocyte colony-stimulating factor on rats with chronic ischemic heart disease
- The effects of yam gruel on lowering fasted blood glucose in T2DM rats
- Circ_0084043 promotes cell proliferation and glycolysis but blocks cell apoptosis in melanoma via circ_0084043-miR-31-KLF3 axis
- CircSAMD4A contributes to cell doxorubicin resistance in osteosarcoma by regulating the miR-218-5p/KLF8 axis
- Relationship of FTO gene variations with NAFLD risk in Chinese men
- The prognostic and predictive value of platelet parameters in diabetic and nondiabetic patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss
- LncRNA SNHG15 contributes to doxorubicin resistance of osteosarcoma cells through targeting the miR-381-3p/GFRA1 axis
- miR-339-3p regulated acute pancreatitis induced by caerulein through targeting TNF receptor-associated factor 3 in AR42J cells
- LncRNA RP1-85F18.6 affects osteoblast cells by regulating the cell cycle
- MiR-203-3p inhibits the oxidative stress, inflammatory responses and apoptosis of mice podocytes induced by high glucose through regulating Sema3A expression
- MiR-30c-5p/ROCK2 axis regulates cell proliferation, apoptosis and EMT via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in HG-induced HK-2 cells
- CTRP9 protects against MIA-induced inflammation and knee cartilage damage by deactivating the MAPK/NF-κB pathway in rats with osteoarthritis
- Relationship between hemodynamic parameters and portal venous pressure in cirrhosis patients with portal hypertension
- Long noncoding RNA FTX ameliorates hydrogen peroxide-induced cardiomyocyte injury by regulating the miR-150/KLF13 axis
- Ropivacaine inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion while inducing apoptosis of glioma cells by regulating the SNHG16/miR-424-5p axis
- CD11b is involved in coxsackievirus B3-induced viral myocarditis in mice by inducing Th17 cells
- Decitabine shows anti-acute myeloid leukemia potential via regulating the miR-212-5p/CCNT2 axis
- Testosterone aggravates cerebral vascular injury by reducing plasma HDL levels
- Bioengineering and Biotechnology
- PL/Vancomycin/Nano-hydroxyapatite Sustained-release Material to Treat Infectious Bone Defect
- The thickness of surface grafting layer on bio-materials directly mediates the immuno-reacitivity of macrophages in vitro
- Silver nanoparticles: synthesis, characterisation and biomedical applications
- Food Science
- Bread making potential of Triticum aestivum and Triticum spelta species
- Modeling the effect of heat treatment on fatty acid composition in home-made olive oil preparations
- Effect of addition of dried potato pulp on selected quality characteristics of shortcrust pastry cookies
- Preparation of konjac oligoglucomannans with different molecular weights and their in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities
- Animal Sciences
- Changes in the fecal microbiome of the Yangtze finless porpoise during a short-term therapeutic treatment
- Agriculture
- Influence of inoculation with Lactobacillus on fermentation, production of 1,2-propanediol and 1-propanol as well as Maize silage aerobic stability
- Application of extrusion-cooking technology in hatchery waste management
- In-field screening for host plant resistance to Delia radicum and Brevicoryne brassicae within selected rapeseed cultivars and new interspecific hybrids
- Studying of the promotion mechanism of Bacillus subtilis QM3 on wheat seed germination based on β-amylase
- Rapid visual detection of FecB gene expression in sheep
- Effects of Bacillus megaterium on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, antioxidant capacity, and immune function in suckling calves
- Effects of center pivot sprinkler fertigation on the yield of continuously cropped soybean
- Special Issue On New Approach To Obtain Bioactive Compounds And New Metabolites From Agro-Industrial By-Products
- Technological and antioxidant properties of proteins obtained from waste potato juice
- The aspects of microbial biomass use in the utilization of selected waste from the agro-food industry
- Special Issue on Computing and Artificial Techniques for Life Science Applications - Part I
- Automatic detection and segmentation of adenomatous colorectal polyps during colonoscopy using Mask R-CNN
- The impedance analysis of small intestine fusion by pulse source
- Errata
- Erratum to “Diagnostic performance of serum CK-MB, TNF-α and hs-CRP in children with viral myocarditis”
- Erratum to “MYL6B drives the capabilities of proliferation, invasion, and migration in rectal adenocarcinoma through the EMT process”
- Erratum to “Thermostable cellulase biosynthesis from Paenibacillus alvei and its utilization in lactic acid production by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation”
Articles in the same Issue
- Plant Sciences
- Dependence of the heterosis effect on genetic distance, determined using various molecular markers
- Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) Regulated Phyto and Microbial Beneficial Protein Interactions
- Role of strigolactones: Signalling and crosstalk with other phytohormones
- An efficient protocol for regenerating shoots from paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera) leaf explants
- Functional divergence and adaptive selection of KNOX gene family in plants
- In silico identification of Capsicum type III polyketide synthase genes and expression patterns in Capsicum annuum
- In vitro induction and characterisation of tetraploid drumstick tree (Moringa oleifera Lam.)
- CRISPR/Cas9 or prime editing? – It depends on…
- Study on the optimal antagonistic effect of a bacterial complex against Monilinia fructicola in peach
- Natural variation in stress response induced by low CO2 in Arabidopsis thaliana
- The complete mitogenome sequence of the coral lily (Lilium pumilum) and the Lanzhou lily (Lilium davidii) in China
- Ecology and Environmental Sciences
- Use of phosphatase and dehydrogenase activities in the assessment of calcium peroxide and citric acid effects in soil contaminated with petrol
- Analysis of ethanol dehydration using membrane separation processes
- Activity of Vip3Aa1 against Periplaneta americana
- Thermostable cellulase biosynthesis from Paenibacillus alvei and its utilization in lactic acid production by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation
- Spatiotemporal dynamics of terrestrial invertebrate assemblages in the riparian zone of the Wewe river, Ashanti region, Ghana
- Antifungal activity of selected volatile essential oils against Penicillium sp.
- Toxic effect of three imidazole ionic liquids on two terrestrial plants
- Biosurfactant production by a Bacillus megaterium strain
- Distribution and density of Lutraria rhynchaena Jonas, 1844 relate to sediment while reproduction shows multiple peaks per year in Cat Ba-Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
- Biomedical Sciences
- Treatment of Epilepsy Associated with Common Chromosomal Developmental Diseases
- A Mouse Model for Studying Stem Cell Effects on Regeneration of Hair Follicle Outer Root Sheaths
- Morphine modulates hippocampal neurogenesis and contextual memory extinction via miR-34c/Notch1 pathway in male ICR mice
- Composition, Anticholinesterase and Antipedicular Activities of Satureja capitata L. Volatile Oil
- Weight loss may be unrelated to dietary intake in the imiquimod-induced plaque psoriasis mice model
- Construction of recombinant lentiviral vector containing human stem cell leukemia gene and its expression in interstitial cells of cajal
- Knockdown of lncRNA KCNQ1OT1 inhibits glioma progression by regulating miR-338-3p/RRM2
- Protective effect of asiaticoside on radiation-induced proliferation inhibition and DNA damage of fibroblasts and mice death
- Prevalence of dyslipidemia in Tibetan monks from Gansu Province, Northwest China
- Sevoflurane inhibits proliferation, invasion, but enhances apoptosis of lung cancer cells by Wnt/β-catenin signaling via regulating lncRNA PCAT6/ miR-326 axis
- MiR-542-3p suppresses neuroblastoma cell proliferation and invasion by downregulation of KDM1A and ZNF346
- Calcium Phosphate Cement Causes Nucleus Pulposus Cell Degeneration Through the ERK Signaling Pathway
- Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells Exhibit Osteogenic Differentiation Potential
- MiR-489-3p inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and induces apoptosis, by targeting the BDNF-mediated PI3K/AKT pathway in glioblastoma
- Long non-coding RNA TUG1 knockdown hinders the tumorigenesis of multiple myeloma by regulating the microRNA-34a-5p/NOTCH1 signaling pathway
- Large Brunner’s gland adenoma of the duodenum for almost 10 years
- Neurotrophin-3 accelerates reendothelialization through inducing EPC mobilization and homing
- Hepatoprotective effects of chamazulene against alcohol-induced liver damage by alleviation of oxidative stress in rat models
- FXYD6 overexpression in HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma with cirrhosis
- Risk factors for elevated serum colorectal cancer markers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Effect of hepatic sympathetic nerve removal on energy metabolism in an animal model of cognitive impairment and its relationship to Glut2 expression
- Progress in research on the role of fibrinogen in lung cancer
- Advanced glycation end product levels were correlated with inflammation and carotid atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetes patients
- MiR-223-3p regulates cell viability, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of non-small cell lung cancer cells by targeting RHOB
- Knockdown of DDX46 inhibits trophoblast cell proliferation and migration through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in preeclampsia
- Buformin suppresses osteosarcoma via targeting AMPK signaling pathway
- Effect of FibroScan test in antiviral therapy for HBV-infected patients with ALT <2 upper limit of normal
- LncRNA SNHG15 regulates osteosarcoma progression in vitro and in vivo via sponging miR-346 and regulating TRAF4 expression
- LINC00202 promotes retinoblastoma progression by regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, and aerobic glycolysis through miR-204-5p/HMGCR axis
- Coexisting flavonoids and administration route effect on pharmacokinetics of Puerarin in MCAO rats
- GeneXpert Technology for the diagnosis of HIV-associated tuberculosis: Is scale-up worth it?
- Circ_001569 regulates FLOT2 expression to promote the proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT of osteosarcoma cells through sponging miR-185-5p
- Lnc-PICSAR contributes to cisplatin resistance by miR-485-5p/REV3L axis in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
- BRCA1 subcellular localization regulated by PI3K signaling pathway in triple-negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells and hormone-sensitive T47D cells
- MYL6B drives the capabilities of proliferation, invasion, and migration in rectal adenocarcinoma through the EMT process
- Inhibition of lncRNA LINC00461/miR-216a/aquaporin 4 pathway suppresses cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and chemoresistance in glioma
- Upregulation of miR-150-5p alleviates LPS-induced inflammatory response and apoptosis of RAW264.7 macrophages by targeting Notch1
- Long non-coding RNA LINC00704 promotes cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in papillary thyroid carcinoma via miR-204-5p/HMGB1 axis
- Neuroanatomy of melanocortin-4 receptor pathway in the mouse brain
- Lipopolysaccharides promote pulmonary fibrosis in silicosis through the aggravation of apoptosis and inflammation in alveolar macrophages
- Influences of advanced glycosylation end products on the inner blood–retinal barrier in a co-culture cell model in vitro
- MiR-4328 inhibits proliferation, metastasis and induces apoptosis in keloid fibroblasts by targeting BCL2 expression
- Aberrant expression of microRNA-132-3p and microRNA-146a-5p in Parkinson’s disease patients
- Long non-coding RNA SNHG3 accelerates progression in glioma by modulating miR-384/HDGF axis
- Long non-coding RNA NEAT1 mediates MPTP/MPP+-induced apoptosis via regulating the miR-124/KLF4 axis in Parkinson’s disease
- PCR-detectable Candida DNA exists a short period in the blood of systemic candidiasis murine model
- CircHIPK3/miR-381-3p axis modulates proliferation, migration, and glycolysis of lung cancer cells by regulating the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway
- Reversine and herbal Xiang–Sha–Liu–Jun–Zi decoction ameliorate thioacetamide-induced hepatic injury by regulating the RelA/NF-κB/caspase signaling pathway
- Therapeutic effects of coronary granulocyte colony-stimulating factor on rats with chronic ischemic heart disease
- The effects of yam gruel on lowering fasted blood glucose in T2DM rats
- Circ_0084043 promotes cell proliferation and glycolysis but blocks cell apoptosis in melanoma via circ_0084043-miR-31-KLF3 axis
- CircSAMD4A contributes to cell doxorubicin resistance in osteosarcoma by regulating the miR-218-5p/KLF8 axis
- Relationship of FTO gene variations with NAFLD risk in Chinese men
- The prognostic and predictive value of platelet parameters in diabetic and nondiabetic patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss
- LncRNA SNHG15 contributes to doxorubicin resistance of osteosarcoma cells through targeting the miR-381-3p/GFRA1 axis
- miR-339-3p regulated acute pancreatitis induced by caerulein through targeting TNF receptor-associated factor 3 in AR42J cells
- LncRNA RP1-85F18.6 affects osteoblast cells by regulating the cell cycle
- MiR-203-3p inhibits the oxidative stress, inflammatory responses and apoptosis of mice podocytes induced by high glucose through regulating Sema3A expression
- MiR-30c-5p/ROCK2 axis regulates cell proliferation, apoptosis and EMT via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in HG-induced HK-2 cells
- CTRP9 protects against MIA-induced inflammation and knee cartilage damage by deactivating the MAPK/NF-κB pathway in rats with osteoarthritis
- Relationship between hemodynamic parameters and portal venous pressure in cirrhosis patients with portal hypertension
- Long noncoding RNA FTX ameliorates hydrogen peroxide-induced cardiomyocyte injury by regulating the miR-150/KLF13 axis
- Ropivacaine inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion while inducing apoptosis of glioma cells by regulating the SNHG16/miR-424-5p axis
- CD11b is involved in coxsackievirus B3-induced viral myocarditis in mice by inducing Th17 cells
- Decitabine shows anti-acute myeloid leukemia potential via regulating the miR-212-5p/CCNT2 axis
- Testosterone aggravates cerebral vascular injury by reducing plasma HDL levels
- Bioengineering and Biotechnology
- PL/Vancomycin/Nano-hydroxyapatite Sustained-release Material to Treat Infectious Bone Defect
- The thickness of surface grafting layer on bio-materials directly mediates the immuno-reacitivity of macrophages in vitro
- Silver nanoparticles: synthesis, characterisation and biomedical applications
- Food Science
- Bread making potential of Triticum aestivum and Triticum spelta species
- Modeling the effect of heat treatment on fatty acid composition in home-made olive oil preparations
- Effect of addition of dried potato pulp on selected quality characteristics of shortcrust pastry cookies
- Preparation of konjac oligoglucomannans with different molecular weights and their in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities
- Animal Sciences
- Changes in the fecal microbiome of the Yangtze finless porpoise during a short-term therapeutic treatment
- Agriculture
- Influence of inoculation with Lactobacillus on fermentation, production of 1,2-propanediol and 1-propanol as well as Maize silage aerobic stability
- Application of extrusion-cooking technology in hatchery waste management
- In-field screening for host plant resistance to Delia radicum and Brevicoryne brassicae within selected rapeseed cultivars and new interspecific hybrids
- Studying of the promotion mechanism of Bacillus subtilis QM3 on wheat seed germination based on β-amylase
- Rapid visual detection of FecB gene expression in sheep
- Effects of Bacillus megaterium on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, antioxidant capacity, and immune function in suckling calves
- Effects of center pivot sprinkler fertigation on the yield of continuously cropped soybean
- Special Issue On New Approach To Obtain Bioactive Compounds And New Metabolites From Agro-Industrial By-Products
- Technological and antioxidant properties of proteins obtained from waste potato juice
- The aspects of microbial biomass use in the utilization of selected waste from the agro-food industry
- Special Issue on Computing and Artificial Techniques for Life Science Applications - Part I
- Automatic detection and segmentation of adenomatous colorectal polyps during colonoscopy using Mask R-CNN
- The impedance analysis of small intestine fusion by pulse source
- Errata
- Erratum to “Diagnostic performance of serum CK-MB, TNF-α and hs-CRP in children with viral myocarditis”
- Erratum to “MYL6B drives the capabilities of proliferation, invasion, and migration in rectal adenocarcinoma through the EMT process”
- Erratum to “Thermostable cellulase biosynthesis from Paenibacillus alvei and its utilization in lactic acid production by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation”