The Interaction Between Fatty Acid Desaturase-2 (FADS2) rs174583 Genetic Variant and Dietary Quality Indices (DASH and MDS) Constructs Different Metabolic Phenotypes Among Obese Individuals

Background and Aim: Genetic variation in fatty acid desaturases (FADS) has previously been linked to several diet-related diseases. We aimed to determine whether the FADS2 rs174583 variant interacts with the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) score and Mediterranean dietary score (MDS) to influence cardio-metabolic risk factors among obese adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed among 347 apparently healthy obese adults (aged 20-50 years). Dietary quality indicator scores (DASH and MDS) were generated using a validated 147-item Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). The FADS2 rs174583 variant was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The gene-diet interaction was analyzed by the ANCOVA multivariate interaction model. Results: A significant interaction was observed between rs174583 and adherence to the DASH score in relation to serum triglyceride (TG) concentration among the female group (P (Interaction) = 0.046); CT-genotype carriers who were assigned to the second tertile of DASH compared with those in the first tertile had a lower TG level (P < 0.05). Another significant interaction was revealed between adherence to MDS score and rs174583 polymorphism on serum glucose levels (P (Interaction) = 0.044); the lowest mean of glucose level was observed in homozygous minor subjects (TT) in the third tertile of MDS, in comparison with other tertiles of this dietary index (P < 0.05). There was a similar significant interaction between DASH and rs174583 in relation to diastolic blood pressure (P (Interaction) = 0.038) among the male group. Additionally, a significant positive association was found between TT genotype and odds of having high TG both in the crude (OR, 3.21; 95% CI, 1.02-10.14) and adjusted (OR, 3.58; 95% CI, 1.07-11.97) models, taking into account different confounders. Conclusion: Adherence to the dietary quality indicators (DASH and MDS) modified the relationship between FADS2 rs174583 polymorphism and cardio-metabolic risk factors in obese subjects. Prospective cohort studies are needed to confirm the results of our study.

Automated summary

The study revealed interactions between FADS genes and dietary quality indicators (DASH and MDS) in influencing cardio-metabolic risk factors among obese adults. Specific gene variants interacted with adherence to healthy diets to impact levels of serum triglycerides, glucose, and blood pressure.