Association of genetic variants in the FTO gene with metabolic syndrome: A case-control study in the Tunisian population

Aims Variants in the fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) are associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, the association of FTO variants in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region with MetS is largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association of FTO gene with MetS and its components in Tunisian population. Methods Two variants in the FTO gene were genotyped: rs1421085 T > C and rs8057044 A > G in cases and controls from Tunisian population. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were assessed. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Results The FTO rs1421085 variant conferred an increased risk to MetS (OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.14-2.26, P = 0.024) that was abolished when adjusted for fasting plasma glucose (FPG), suggesting that the association may be due to variation in FPG levels. Indeed, this variant was associated to FPG (OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.23-2.44, P = 0.002) independently from BMI or age. The second polymorphism rs8057044 was associated with high blood pressure levels (OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.06-1.99, P = 0.019). Conclusions This is the first study highlighting the association between FTO gene variants and MetS in Tunisian population. These findings provide evidence that FTO gene may play a critical role in leading to MetS in Tunisian population.