1. |
- Mishra, A., et al.
(author)
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Stroke genetics informs drug discovery and risk prediction across ancestries
- 2022
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In: Nature. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0028-0836 .- 1476-4687. ; 611, s. 115-123
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Previous genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of stroke - the second leading cause of death worldwide - were conducted predominantly in populations of European ancestry(1,2). Here, in cross-ancestry GWAS meta-analyses of 110,182 patients who have had a stroke (five ancestries, 33% non-European) and 1,503,898 control individuals, we identify association signals for stroke and its subtypes at 89 (61 new) independent loci: 60 in primary inverse-variance-weighted analyses and 29 in secondary meta-regression and multitrait analyses. On the basis of internal cross-ancestry validation and an independent follow-up in 89,084 additional cases of stroke (30% non-European) and 1,013,843 control individuals, 87% of the primary stroke risk loci and 60% of the secondary stroke risk loci were replicated (P < 0.05). Effect sizes were highly correlated across ancestries. Cross-ancestry fine-mapping, in silico mutagenesis analysis(3), and transcriptome-wide and proteome-wide association analyses revealed putative causal genes (such as SH3PXD2A and FURIN) and variants (such as at GRK5 and NOS3). Using a three-pronged approach(4), we provide genetic evidence for putative drug effects, highlighting F11, KLKB1, PROC, GP1BA, LAMC2 and VCAM1 as possible targets, with drugs already under investigation for stroke for F11 and PROC. A polygenic score integrating cross-ancestry and ancestry-specific stroke GWASs with vascular-risk factor GWASs (integrative polygenic scores) strongly predicted ischaemic stroke in populations of European, East Asian and African ancestry(5). Stroke genetic risk scores were predictive of ischaemic stroke independent of clinical risk factors in 52,600 clinical-trial participants with cardiometabolic disease. Our results provide insights to inform biology, reveal potential drug targets and derive genetic risk prediction tools across ancestries.
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2. |
- Arking, D. E., et al.
(author)
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Genetic association study of QT interval highlights role for calcium signaling pathways in myocardial repolarization
- 2014
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In: Nature Genetics. - : Nature Publishing Group. - 1061-4036 .- 1546-1718. ; 46:8, s. 826-836
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The QT interval, an electrocardiographic measure reflecting myocardial repolarization, is a heritable trait. QT prolongation is a risk factor for ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD) and could indicate the presence of the potentially lethal mendelian long-QT syndrome (LQTS). Using a genome-wide association and replication study in up to 100,000 individuals, we identified 35 common variant loci associated with QT interval that collectively explain ∼ 8-10% of QT-interval variation and highlight the importance of calcium regulation in myocardial repolarization. Rare variant analysis of 6 new QT interval-associated loci in 298 unrelated probands with LQTS identified coding variants not found in controls but of uncertain causality and therefore requiring validation. Several newly identified loci encode proteins that physically interact with other recognized repolarization proteins. Our integration of common variant association, expression and orthogonal protein-protein interaction screens provides new insights into cardiac electrophysiology and identifies new candidate genes for ventricular arrhythmias, LQTS and SCD. © 2014 Nature America, Inc.
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3. |
- Franceschini, N., et al.
(author)
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GWAS and colocalization analyses implicate carotid intima-media thickness and carotid plaque loci in cardiovascular outcomes
- 2018
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In: Nature Communications. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2041-1723. ; 9:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Carotid artery intima media thickness (cIMT) and carotid plaque are measures of subclinical atherosclerosis associated with ischemic stroke and coronary heart disease (CHD). Here, we undertake meta-analyses of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in 71,128 individuals for cIMT, and 48,434 individuals for carotid plaque traits. We identify eight novel susceptibility loci for cIMT, one independent association at the previously-identified PINX1 locus, and one novel locus for carotid plaque. Colocalization analysis with nearby vascular expression quantitative loci (cis-eQTLs) derived from arterial wall and metabolic tissues obtained from patients with CHD identifies candidate genes at two potentially additional loci, ADAMTS9 and LOXL4. LD score regression reveals significant genetic correlations between cIMT and plaque traits, and both cIMT and plaque with CHD, any stroke subtype and ischemic stroke. Our study provides insights into genes and tissue-specific regulatory mechanisms linking atherosclerosis both to its functional genomic origins and its clinical consequences in humans. © 2018, The Author(s).
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4. |
- Graff, M., et al.
(author)
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Genome-wide physical activity interactions in adiposity. A meta-analysis of 200,452 adults
- 2017
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In: PLoS Genet. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1553-7404 .- 1553-7390. ; 13:4
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Physical activity (PA) may modify the genetic effects that give rise to increased risk of obesity. To identify adiposity loci whose effects are modified by PA, we performed genome-wide interaction meta-analyses of BMI and BMI-adjusted waist circumference and waist-hip ratio from up to 200,452 adults of European (n = 180,423) or other ancestry (n = 20,029). We standardized PA by categorizing it into a dichotomous variable where, on average, 23% of participants were categorized as inactive and 77% as physically active. While we replicate the interaction with PA for the strongest known obesity-risk locus in the FTO gene, of which the effect is attenuated by similar to 30% in physically active individuals compared to inactive individuals, we do not identify additional loci that are sensitive to PA. In additional genome-wide meta-analyses adjusting for PA and interaction with PA, we identify 11 novel adiposity loci, suggesting that accounting for PA or other environmental factors that contribute to variation in adiposity may facilitate gene discovery.
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5. |
- Nolte, I. M., et al.
(author)
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Genetic loci associated with heart rate variability and their effects on cardiac disease risk
- 2017
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In: Nature Communications. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2041-1723. ; 8
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Reduced cardiac vagal control reflected in low heart rate variability (HRV) is associated with greater risks for cardiac morbidity and mortality. In two-stage meta-analyses of genome-wide association studies for three HRV traits in up to 53,174 individuals of European ancestry, we detect 17 genome-wide significant SNPs in eight loci. HRV SNPs tag non-synonymous SNPs (in NDUFA11 and KIAA1755), expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) (influencing GNG11, RGS6 and NEO1), or are located in genes preferentially expressed in the sinoatrial node (GNG11, RGS6 and HCN4). Genetic risk scores account for 0.9 to 2.6% of the HRV variance. Significant genetic correlation is found for HRV with heart rate (-0.74 < r(g) < -0.55) and blood pressure (-0.35 < r(g) < -0.20). These findings provide clinically relevant biological insight into heritable variation in vagal heart rhythm regulation, with a key role for genetic variants (GNG11, RGS6) that influence G-protein heterotrimer action in GIRK-channel induced pacemaker membrane hyperpolarization.
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6. |
- Wang, Z., et al.
(author)
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Genome-wide association analyses of physical activity and sedentary behavior provide insights into underlying mechanisms and roles in disease prevention
- 2022
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In: Nature Genetics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1061-4036 .- 1546-1718. ; 54:9, s. 1332-1344
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Although physical activity and sedentary behavior are moderately heritable, little is known about the mechanisms that influence these traits. Combining data for up to 703,901 individuals from 51 studies in a multi-ancestry meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies yields 99 loci that associate with self-reported moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity during leisure time (MVPA), leisure screen time (LST) and/or sedentary behavior at work. Loci associated with LST are enriched for genes whose expression in skeletal muscle is altered by resistance training. A missense variant in ACTN3 makes the alpha-actinin-3 filaments more flexible, resulting in lower maximal force in isolated type IIA muscle fibers, and possibly protection from exercise-induced muscle damage. Finally, Mendelian randomization analyses show that beneficial effects of lower LST and higher MVPA on several risk factors and diseases are mediated or confounded by body mass index (BMI). Our results provide insights into physical activity mechanisms and its role in disease prevention. Multi-ancestry meta-analyses of genome-wide association studies for self-reported physical activity during leisure time, leisure screen time, sedentary commuting and sedentary behavior at work identify 99 loci associated with at least one of these traits.
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9. |
- Horikoshi, Momoko, et al.
(author)
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New loci associated with birth weight identify genetic links between intrauterine growth and adult height and metabolism.
- 2013
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In: Nature Genetics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1061-4036 .- 1546-1718. ; 45:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Birth weight within the normal range is associated with a variety of adult-onset diseases, but the mechanisms behind these associations are poorly understood. Previous genome-wide association studies of birth weight identified a variant in the ADCY5 gene associated both with birth weight and type 2 diabetes and a second variant, near CCNL1, with no obvious link to adult traits. In an expanded genome-wide association meta-analysis and follow-up study of birth weight (of up to 69,308 individuals of European descent from 43 studies), we have now extended the number of loci associated at genome-wide significance to 7, accounting for a similar proportion of variance as maternal smoking. Five of the loci are known to be associated with other phenotypes: ADCY5 and CDKAL1 with type 2 diabetes, ADRB1 with adult blood pressure and HMGA2 and LCORL with adult height. Our findings highlight genetic links between fetal growth and postnatal growth and metabolism.
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13. |
- van de Vegte, Yordi, et al.
(author)
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Genetic insights into resting heart rate and its role in cardiovascular disease
- 2023
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In: Nature Communications. - : Springer Nature. - 2041-1723. ; 14:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The genetics and clinical consequences of resting heart rate (RHR) remain incompletely understood. Here, the authors discover new genetic variants associated with RHR and find that higher genetically predicted RHR decreases risk of atrial fibrillation and ischemic stroke. Resting heart rate is associated with cardiovascular diseases and mortality in observational and Mendelian randomization studies. The aims of this study are to extend the number of resting heart rate associated genetic variants and to obtain further insights in resting heart rate biology and its clinical consequences. A genome-wide meta-analysis of 100 studies in up to 835,465 individuals reveals 493 independent genetic variants in 352 loci, including 68 genetic variants outside previously identified resting heart rate associated loci. We prioritize 670 genes and in silico annotations point to their enrichment in cardiomyocytes and provide insights in their ECG signature. Two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses indicate that higher genetically predicted resting heart rate increases risk of dilated cardiomyopathy, but decreases risk of developing atrial fibrillation, ischemic stroke, and cardio-embolic stroke. We do not find evidence for a linear or non-linear genetic association between resting heart rate and all-cause mortality in contrast to our previous Mendelian randomization study. Systematic alteration of key differences between the current and previous Mendelian randomization study indicates that the most likely cause of the discrepancy between these studies arises from false positive findings in previous one-sample MR analyses caused by weak-instrument bias at lower P-value thresholds. The results extend our understanding of resting heart rate biology and give additional insights in its role in cardiovascular disease development.
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14. |
- Pellegrinelli, V, et al.
(author)
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Dysregulation of macrophage PEPD in obesity determines adipose tissue fibro-inflammation and insulin resistance
- 2022
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In: Nature Metabolism. - : Springer Nature. - 2522-5812. ; 4:4, s. 476-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Resulting from impaired collagen turnover, fibrosis is a hallmark of adipose tissue (AT) dysfunction and obesity-associated insulin resistance (IR). Prolidase, also known as peptidase D (PEPD), plays a vital role in collagen turnover by degrading proline-containing dipeptides but its specific functional relevance in AT is unknown. Here we show that in human and mouse obesity, PEPD expression and activity decrease in AT, and PEPD is released into the systemic circulation, which promotes fibrosis and AT IR. Loss of the enzymatic function of PEPD by genetic ablation or pharmacological inhibition causes AT fibrosis in mice. In addition to its intracellular enzymatic role, secreted extracellular PEPD protein enhances macrophage and adipocyte fibro-inflammatory responses via EGFR signalling, thereby promoting AT fibrosis and IR. We further show that decreased prolidase activity is coupled with increased systemic levels of PEPD that act as a pathogenic trigger of AT fibrosis and IR. Thus, PEPD produced by macrophages might serve as a biomarker of AT fibro-inflammation and could represent a therapeutic target for AT fibrosis and obesity-associated IR and type 2 diabetes. Obesity-associated AT fibro-inflammation and metabolic disturbances are linked to PEPD activity and PEPD extracellular levels.
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15. |
- Scott, Robert A., et al.
(author)
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A genomic approach to therapeutic target validation identifies a glucose-lowering GLP1R variant protective for coronary heart disease
- 2016
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In: Science Translational Medicine. - : American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). - 1946-6234 .- 1946-6242. ; 8:341
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Regulatory authorities have indicated that new drugs to treat type 2 diabetes (T2D) should not be associated with an unacceptable increase in cardiovascular risk. Human genetics may be able to guide development of antidiabetic therapies by predicting cardiovascular and other health endpoints. We therefore investigated the association of variants in six genes that encode drug targets for obesity or T2D with a range of metabolic traits in up to 11,806 individuals by targeted exome sequencing and follow-up in 39,979 individuals by targeted genotyping, with additional in silico follow-up in consortia. We used these data to first compare associations of variants in genes encoding drug targets with the effects of pharmacological manipulation of those targets in clinical trials. We then tested the association of those variants with disease outcomes, including coronary heart disease, to predict cardiovascular safety of these agents. A low-frequency missense variant (Ala316Thr; rs10305492) in the gene encoding glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP1R), the target of GLP1R agonists, was associated with lower fasting glucose and T2D risk, consistent with GLP1R agonist therapies. The minor allele was also associated with protection against heart disease, thus providing evidence that GLP1R agonists are not likely to be associated with an unacceptable increase in cardiovascular risk. Our results provide an encouraging signal that these agents may be associated with benefit, a question currently being addressed in randomized controlled trials. Genetic variants associated with metabolic traits and multiple disease outcomes can be used to validate therapeutic targets at an early stage in the drug development process.
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16. |
- van Setten, Jessica, et al.
(author)
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PR interval genome-wide association meta-analysis identifies 50 loci associated with atrial and atrioventricular electrical activity
- 2018
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In: Nature Communications. - : NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP. - 2041-1723. ; 9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Electrocardiographic PR interval measures atrio-ventricular depolarization and conduction, and abnormal PR interval is a risk factor for atrial fibrillation and heart block. Our genomewide association study of over 92,000 European-descent individuals identifies 44 PR interval loci (34 novel). Examination of these loci reveals known and previously not-yet-reported biological processes involved in cardiac atrial electrical activity. Genes in these loci are overrepresented in cardiac disease processes including heart block and atrial fibrillation. Variants in over half of the 44 loci were associated with atrial or blood transcript expression levels, or were in high linkage disequilibrium with missense variants. Six additional loci were identified either by meta-analysis of similar to 105,000 African and European-descent individuals and/or by pleiotropic analyses combining PR interval with heart rate, QRS interval, and atrial fibrillation. These findings implicate developmental pathways, and identify transcription factors, ionchannel genes, and cell-junction/cell-signaling proteins in atrio-ventricular conduction, identifying potential targets for drug development.
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18. |
- den Hoed, M, et al.
(author)
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SNP analyses of postprandial responses in (an)orexigenic hormones and feelings of hunger reveal long-term physiological adaptations to facilitate homeostasis.
- 2008
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In: International Journal of Obesity. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0307-0565 .- 1476-5497. ; 32:12
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: The postprandial responses in (an)orexigenic hormones and feelings of hunger are characterized by large inter-individual differences. Food intake regulation was shown earlier to be partly under genetic control.OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine whether the postprandial responses in (an)orexigenic hormones and parameters of food intake regulation are associated with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes encoding for satiety hormones and their receptors.DESIGN: Peptide YY (PYY), glucagon-like peptide 1 and ghrelin levels, as well as feelings of hunger and satiety, were determined pre- and postprandially in 62 women and 41 men (age 31+/-14 years; body mass index 25.0+/-3.1 kg/m(2)). Dietary restraint, disinhibition and perceived hunger were determined using the three-factor eating questionnaire. SNPs were determined in the GHRL, GHSR, LEP, LEPR, PYY, NPY, NPY2R and CART genes.RESULTS: The postprandial response in plasma ghrelin levels was associated with SNPs in PYY (215G>C, P<0.01) and LEPR (326A>G and 688A>G, P<0.01), and in plasma PYY levels with SNPs in GHRL (-501A>C, P<0.05) and GHSR (477G>A, P<0.05). The postprandial response in feelings of hunger was characterized by an SNP-SNP interaction involving SNPs in LEPR and NPY2R (668A>G and 585T>C, P<0.05). Dietary restraint and disinhibition were associated with an SNP in GHSR (477G>A, P<0.05), and perceived hunger with SNPs in GHSR and NPY (477G>A and 204T>C, P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS: Part of the inter-individual variability in postprandial responses in (an)orexigenic hormones can be explained by genetic variation. These postprandial responses represent either long-term physiological adaptations to facilitate homeostasis or reinforce direct genetic effects.
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20. |
- Belli, LS, et al.
(author)
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COVID-19 in liver transplant candidates: pretransplant and post-transplant outcomes - an ELITA/ELTR multicentre cohort study
- 2021
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In: Gut. - : BMJ. - 1468-3288 .- 0017-5749. ; 70:10, s. 1914-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Explore the impact of COVID-19 on patients on the waiting list for liver transplantation (LT) and on their post-LT course.DesignData from consecutive adult LT candidates with COVID-19 were collected across Europe in a dedicated registry and were analysed.ResultsFrom 21 February to 20 November 2020, 136 adult cases with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection from 33 centres in 11 European countries were collected, with 113 having COVID-19. Thirty-seven (37/113, 32.7%) patients died after a median of 18 (10–30) days, with respiratory failure being the major cause (33/37, 89.2%). The 60-day mortality risk did not significantly change between first (35.3%, 95% CI 23.9% to 50.0%) and second (26.0%, 95% CI 16.2% to 40.2%) waves. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed Laboratory Model for End-stage Liver Disease (Lab-MELD) score of ≥15 (Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score 15–19, HR 5.46, 95% CI 1.81 to 16.50; MELD score≥20, HR 5.24, 95% CI 1.77 to 15.55) and dyspnoea on presentation (HR 3.89, 95% CI 2.02 to 7.51) being the two negative independent factors for mortality. Twenty-six patients underwent an LT after a median time of 78.5 (IQR 44–102) days, and 25 (96%) were alive after a median follow-up of 118 days (IQR 31–170).ConclusionsIncreased mortality in LT candidates with COVID-19 (32.7%), reaching 45% in those with decompensated cirrhosis (DC) and Lab-MELD score of ≥15, was observed, with no significant difference between first and second waves of the pandemic. Respiratory failure was the major cause of death. The dismal prognosis of patients with DC supports the adoption of strict preventative measures and the urgent testing of vaccination efficacy in this population. Prior SARS-CoV-2 symptomatic infection did not affect early post-transplant survival (96%).
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21. |
- den Hoed, M, et al.
(author)
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Evaluation of common genetic variants identified by GWAS for early onset and morbid obesity in population-based samples.
- 2013
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In: International Journal of Obesity. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0307-0565 .- 1476-5497. ; 37:2
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Meta-analysis of case-control genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for early onset and morbid obesity identified four variants in/near the PRL, PTER, MAF and NPC1 genes.OBJECTIVE: We aimed to validate association of these variants with obesity-related traits in population-based samples.DESIGN: Genotypes and anthropometric traits were available in up to 31 083 adults from the Fenland, EPIC-Norfolk, Whitehall II, Ely and Hertfordshire studies and in 2042 children and adolescents from the European Youth Heart Study. In each study, we tested associations of rs4712652 (near-PRL), rs10508503 (near-PTER), rs1424233 (near-MAF) and rs1805081 (NPC1), or proxy variants (r (2)>0.8), with the odds of being overweight and obese, as well as with body mass index (BMI), percentage body fat (%BF) and waist circumference (WC). Associations were adjusted for sex, age and age(2) in adults and for sex, age, age group, country and maturity in children and adolescents. Summary statistics were combined using fixed effects meta-analysis methods.RESULTS: We had 80% power to detect odds ratios of 1.046 to 1.092 for overweight and 1.067 to 1.136 for obesity. Variants near PRL, PTER and MAF were not associated with the odds of being overweight or obese, or with BMI, %BF or WC after meta-analysis (P>0.15). The NPC1 variant rs1805081 showed some evidence of association with %BF (β=0.013 s.d./allele, P=0.040), but not with any of the remaining obesity-related traits (P>0.3).CONCLUSION: Overall, these variants, which were identified in a GWAS for early onset and morbid obesity, do not seem to influence obesity-related traits in the general population.
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23. |
- Nead, Kevin T., et al.
(author)
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Contribution of common non-synonymous variants in PCSK1 to body mass index variation and risk of obesity : a systematic review and meta-analysis with evidence from up to 331 175 individuals
- 2015
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In: Human Molecular Genetics. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0964-6906 .- 1460-2083. ; 24:12, s. 3582-3594
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Polymorphisms rs6232 and rs6234/rs6235 in PCSK1 have been associated with extreme obesity [e.g. body mass index (BMI) a parts per thousand yen 40 kg/m(2)], but their contribution to common obesity (BMI a parts per thousand yen 30 kg/m(2)) and BMI variation in a multi-ethnic context is unclear. To fill this gap, we collected phenotypic and genetic data in up to 331 175 individuals from diverse ethnic groups. This process involved a systematic review of the literature in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and the NIH GWAS catalog complemented by data extraction from pre-existing GWAS or custom-arrays in consortia and single studies. We employed recently developed global meta-analytic random-effects methods to calculate summary odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) or beta estimates and standard errors (SE) for the obesity status and BMI analyses, respectively. Significant associations were found with binary obesity status for rs6232 (OR = 1.15, 95% CI 1.06-1.24, P = 6.08 x 10(-6)) and rs6234/rs6235 (OR = 1.07, 95% CI 1.04-1.10, P = 3.00 x 10(-7)). Similarly, significant associations were found with continuous BMI for rs6232 (beta = 0.03, 95% CI 0.00-0.07; P = 0.047) and rs6234/rs6235 (beta = 0.02, 95% CI 0.00-0.03; P = 5.57 x 10(-4)). Ethnicity, age and study ascertainment significantly modulated the association of PCSK1 polymorphisms with obesity. In summary, we demonstrate evidence that common gene variation in PCSK1 contributes to BMI variation and susceptibility to common obesity in the largest known meta-analysis published to date in genetic epidemiology.
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25. |
- van Vliet-Ostaptchouk, J. V., et al.
(author)
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Pleiotropic effects of obesity-susceptibility loci on metabolic traits : a meta-analysis of up to 37,874 individuals
- 2013
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In: Diabetologia. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0012-186X .- 1432-0428. ; 56:10, s. 2134-2146
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Genetic pleiotropy may contribute to the clustering of obesity and metabolic conditions. We assessed whether genetic variants that are robustly associated with BMI and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) also influence metabolic and cardiovascular traits, independently of obesity-related traits, in meta-analyses of up to 37,874 individuals from six European population-based studies. We examined associations of 32 BMI and 14 WHR loci, individually and combined in two genetic predisposition scores (GPSs), with glycaemic traits, blood lipids and BP, with and without adjusting for BMI and/or WHR. We observed significant associations of BMI-increasing alleles at five BMI loci with lower levels of 2 h glucose (RBJ [also known as DNAJC27], QPTCL: effect sizes -0.068 and -0.107 SD, respectively), HDL-cholesterol (SLC39A8: -0.065 SD, MTCH2: -0.039 SD), and diastolic BP (SLC39A8: -0.069 SD), and higher and lower levels of LDL- and total cholesterol (QPTCL: 0.041 and 0.042 SDs, respectively, FLJ35779 [also known as POC5]: -0.042 and -0.041 SDs, respectively) (all p < 2.4 x 10(-4)), independent of BMI. The WHR-increasing alleles at two WHR loci were significantly associated with higher proinsulin (GRB14: 0.069 SD) and lower fasting glucose levels (CPEB4: -0.049 SD), independent of BMI and WHR. A higher GPS-BMI was associated with lower systolic BP (-0.005 SD), diastolic BP (-0.006 SD) and 2 h glucose (-0.013 SD), while a higher GPS-WHR was associated with lower HDL-cholesterol (-0.015 SD) and higher triacylglycerol levels (0.014 SD) (all p < 2.9 x 10(-3)), independent of BMI and/or WHR. These pleiotropic effects of obesity-susceptibility loci provide novel insights into mechanisms that link obesity with metabolic abnormalities.
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26. |
- den Hoed, M, et al.
(author)
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Skeletal muscle fiber-type distribution and habitual physical activity in daily life.
- 2009
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports. - : Wiley. - 0905-7188 .- 1600-0838. ; 19:3
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The capacity to perform physical activity largely depends on physical fitness. Muscle fiber-type distribution (Muscle(FTD)) is associated with physical fitness and may influence the capacity to perform physical activity. The purpose of this study was to determine whether habitual physical activity in daily life (PA(DL)) and Muscle(FTD) are related. Thirty-eight healthy non-athletes (31 women, 7 men) were recruited. PA(DL) was measured twice for 14 days using a tri-axial accelerometer for movement registration (Tracmor). From Tracmor output, the proportion of time subjects were physically active at low, moderate, and high intensities was determined (%Low, %Moderate, and %High, respectively). A total activity index (PA(index)) and sub-scores on work, leisure-time and sports were obtained using the Baecke questionnaire. Muscle(FTD) was determined using immuno-fluorescence against respective myosin heavy chain isoforms. No relationship was observed between PA(DL) and Muscle(FTD). %Low, %Moderate, and %High, as well as PA(index) and its sub-scores, were not related to Muscle(FTD) either. The time spent on sports was associated with the proportion of type I and II(X) fibers (P=0.06 and P<0.01, respectively). In conclusion, Muscle(FTD) probably cannot explain why some people are more prone to engaging in physical activities than others.
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27. |
- Mattis, Katia K, et al.
(author)
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Loss of RREB1 in pancreatic beta cells reduces cellular insulin content and affects endocrine cell gene expression
- 2023
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In: Diabetologia. - : Springer Nature. - 0012-186X .- 1432-0428. ; 66:4, s. 674-694
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Genome-wide studies have uncovered multiple independent signals at the RREB1 locus associated with altered type 2 diabetes risk and related glycaemic traits. However, little is known about the function of the zinc finger transcription factor Ras-responsive element binding protein 1 (RREB1) in glucose homeostasis or how changes in its expression and/or function influence diabetes risk.METHODS: A zebrafish model lacking rreb1a and rreb1b was used to study the effect of RREB1 loss in vivo. Using transcriptomic and cellular phenotyping of a human beta cell model (EndoC-βH1) and human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived beta-like cells, we investigated how loss of RREB1 expression and activity affects pancreatic endocrine cell development and function. Ex vivo measurements of human islet function were performed in donor islets from carriers of RREB1 type 2 diabetes risk alleles.RESULTS: CRISPR/Cas9-mediated loss of rreb1a and rreb1b function in zebrafish supports an in vivo role for the transcription factor in beta cell mass, beta cell insulin expression and glucose levels. Loss of RREB1 also reduced insulin gene expression and cellular insulin content in EndoC-βH1 cells and impaired insulin secretion under prolonged stimulation. Transcriptomic analysis of RREB1 knockdown and knockout EndoC-βH1 cells supports RREB1 as a novel regulator of genes involved in insulin secretion. In vitro differentiation of RREB1KO/KO hiPSCs revealed dysregulation of pro-endocrine cell genes, including RFX family members, suggesting that RREB1 also regulates genes involved in endocrine cell development. Human donor islets from carriers of type 2 diabetes risk alleles in RREB1 have altered glucose-stimulated insulin secretion ex vivo, consistent with a role for RREB1 in regulating islet cell function.CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Together, our results indicate that RREB1 regulates beta cell function by transcriptionally regulating the expression of genes involved in beta cell development and function.
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28. |
- Strawbridge, Rona J., et al.
(author)
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Identification of a novel proinsulin-associated SNP and demonstration that proinsulin is unlikely to be a causal factor in subclinical vascular remodelling using Mendelian randomisation
- 2017
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In: Atherosclerosis. - : Elsevier BV. - 0021-9150 .- 1879-1484. ; 266, s. 196-204
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background and aims: Increased proinsulin relative to insulin levels have been associated with subclinical atherosclerosis (measured by carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT)) and are predictive of future cardiovascular disease (CVD), independently of established risk factors. The mechanisms linking proinsulin to atherosclerosis and CVD are unclear. A genome-wide meta-analysis has identified nine loci associated with circulating proinsulin levels. Using proinsulin-associated SNPs, we set out to use a Mendelian randomisation approach to test the hypothesis that proinsulin plays a causal role in subclinical vascular remodelling.Methods: We studied the high CVD-risk IMPROVE cohort (n = 3345), which has detailed biochemical phenotyping and repeated, state-of-the-art, high-resolution carotid ultrasound examinations. Genotyping was performed using Illumina Cardio-Metabo and Immuno arrays, which include reported proinsulin-associated loci. Participants with type 2 diabetes (n = 904) were omitted from the analysis. Linear regression was used to identify proinsulin-associated genetic variants.Results: We identified a proinsulin locus on chromosome 15 (rs8029765) and replicated it in data from 20,003 additional individuals. An 11-SNP score, including the previously identified and the chromosome 15 proinsulin-associated loci, was significantly and negatively associated with baseline IMTmean and IMTmax (the primary cIMT phenotypes) but not with progression measures. However, MR-Eggers refuted any significant effect of the proinsulin-associated 11-SNP score, and a non-pleiotropic SNP score of three variants (including rs8029765) demonstrated no effect on baseline or progression cIMT measures.Conclusions: We identified a novel proinsulin-associated locus and demonstrated that whilst proinsulin levels are associated with cIMT measures, proinsulin per se is unlikely to have a causative effect on cIMT.
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29. |
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30. |
- Chauhan, Ganesh, et al.
(author)
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Identification of additional risk loci for stroke and small vessel disease: a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies
- 2016
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In: The Lancet Neurology. - 1474-4465 .- 1474-4422. ; 15:7, s. 695-707
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Genetic determinants of stroke, the leading neurological cause of death and disability, are poorly understood and have seldom been explored in the general population. Our aim was to identify additional loci for stroke by doing a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies. Methods For the discovery sample, we did a genome-wide analysis of common genetic variants associated with incident stroke risk in 18 population-based cohorts comprising 84 961 participants, of whom 4348 had stroke. Stroke diagnosis was ascertained and validated by the study investigators. Mean age at stroke ranged from 45·8 years to 76·4 years, and data collection in the studies took place between 1948 and 2013. We did validation analyses for variants yielding a significant association (at p<5 × 10−6) with all-stroke, ischaemic stroke, cardioembolic ischaemic stroke, or non-cardioembolic ischaemic stroke in the largest available cross-sectional studies (70 804 participants, of whom 19 816 had stroke). Summary-level results of discovery and follow-up stages were combined using inverse-variance weighted fixed-effects meta-analysis, and in-silico lookups were done in stroke subtypes. For genome-wide significant findings (at p<5 × 10−8), we explored associations with additional cerebrovascular phenotypes and did functional experiments using conditional (inducible) deletion of the probable causal gene in mice. We also studied the expression of orthologs of this probable causal gene and its effects on cerebral vasculature in zebrafish mutants. Findings We replicated seven of eight known loci associated with risk for ischaemic stroke, and identified a novel locus at chromosome 6p25 (rs12204590, near FOXF2) associated with risk of all-stroke (odds ratio [OR] 1·08, 95% CI 1·05–1·12, p=1·48 × 10−8; minor allele frequency 21%). The rs12204590 stroke risk allele was also associated with increased MRI-defined burden of white matter hyperintensity—a marker of cerebral small vessel disease—in stroke-free adults (n=21 079; p=0·0025). Consistently, young patients (aged 2–32 years) with segmental deletions of FOXF2 showed an extensive burden of white matter hyperintensity. Deletion of Foxf2 in adult mice resulted in cerebral infarction, reactive gliosis, and microhaemorrhage. The orthologs of FOXF2 in zebrafish (foxf2b and foxf2a) are expressed in brain pericytes and mutant foxf2b−/− cerebral vessels show decreased smooth muscle cell and pericyte coverage. Interpretation We identified common variants near FOXF2 that are associated with increased stroke susceptibility. Epidemiological and experimental data suggest that FOXF2 mediates this association, potentially via differentiation defects of cerebral vascular mural cells. Further expression studies in appropriate human tissues, and further functional experiments with long follow-up periods are needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms. Funding NIH, NINDS, NHMRC, CIHR, European national research institutions, Fondation Leducq. © 2016 Elsevier Ltd
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31. |
- den Hoed, M, et al.
(author)
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Body composition is associated with physical activity in daily life as measured using a triaxial accelerometer in both men and women.
- 2008
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In: International Journal of Obesity. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0307-0565 .- 1476-5497. ; 32:8
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Activity-related energy expenditure is the most variable component of total energy expenditure and thus an important determinant of energy balance.OBJECTIVE: To determine whether body composition is related to physical activity in both men and women.DESIGN: A total of 134 healthy participants were recruited (80 women, 54 men; aged 21+/-2 years; body mass index, 22.0+/-2.4). Physical activity was measured for a period of 2 weeks using a triaxial accelerometer for movement registration (Tracmor). Percentage body fat (%BF) was determined by underwater weighing and deuterium dilution according to Siri's three-compartment model.RESULTS: The participant characteristics-body mass, height and gender together explained a substantial part of the variation in %BF (R(2)=0.75, SEE=4.0%). Adding physical activity to the model increased the explained variation in %BF with 4% (R(2)=0.79, SEE=3.7%, P<0.001). Taking seasonality into account by adding the number of daylight hours as an independent variable further increased the explained variation with 1% (R(2)=0.80, SEE=3.7%, P<0.05). In analogy, the association was evaluated for both genders separately. In women, %BF and physical activity were significantly associated (P<0.001). In men, %BF was only associated with physical activity when seasonality was taken into account as well (P<0.05). This probably resulted from men participating more in season bound sports, because an association was found without adjusting for seasonality when only men with a consistent year-round participation in sports were considered.CONCLUSION: Evidence was found for an association between body composition and physical activity in both genders. A consistent year-round degree of physical activity appears to be a prerequisite to reveal the association. Moreover, Tracmor-assessed physical activity improves the estimate of %BF when a participant's characteristics are taken into account.
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33. |
- den Hoed, Marcel, et al.
(author)
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Postprandial responses in hunger and satiety are associated with the rs9939609 single nucleotide polymorphism in FTO.
- 2009
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In: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. - : Elsevier BV. - 0002-9165 .- 1938-3207. ; 90:5
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: The common rs9939609 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene is associated with adiposity, possibly by affecting satiety responsiveness.OBJECTIVE: The objective was to determine whether postprandial responses in hunger and satiety are associated with rs9939609, taking interactions with other relevant candidate genes into account.DESIGN: Sixty-two women and 41 men [age: 31 +/- 14 y; body mass index (in kg/m(2)): 25.0 +/- 3.1] were genotyped for 5 SNPs in FTO, DNMT1, DNMT3B, LEP, and LEPR. Individuals received fixed meals provided in energy balance. Hunger and satiety were determined pre- and postprandially by using visual analog scales.RESULTS: A general association test showed a significant association between postprandial responses in hunger and satiety with rs9939609 (P = 0.036 and P = 0.050, respectively). Individuals with low postprandial responses in hunger and satiety were overrepresented among TA/AA carriers in rs9939609 (FTO) compared with TT carriers (dominant and additive model: P = 0.013 and P = 0.020, respectively). Moreover, multifactor dimensionality reduction showed significant epistatic interactions for the postprandial decrease in hunger involving rs9939609 (FTO), rs992472 (DNMT3B), and rs1137101 (LEPR). Individuals with a low postprandial decrease in hunger were overrepresented among TA/AA (dominant), CC/CA (recessive), and AG/GG (dominant) carriers in rs9939609 (FTO), rs992472 (DNMT3B), and rs1137101 (LEPR), respectively (n = 39), compared with TT, AA, and/or AA carriers in these SNPs, respectively (P = 0.00001). Each SNP had an additional effect.CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm a role for FTO in responsiveness to hunger and satiety cues in adults in an experimental setting. The epistatic interaction suggests that DNA methylation, an epigenetic process, affects appetite.
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34. |
- Huang, Lam O., et al.
(author)
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Genome-wide discovery of genetic loci that uncouple excess adiposity from its comorbidities
- 2021
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In: Nature Metabolism. - : Springer Nature. - 2522-5812. ; 3:2, s. 228-243
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiometabolic diseases. Nevertheless, a substantial proportion of individuals with obesity do not suffer cardiometabolic comorbidities. The mechanisms that uncouple adiposity from its cardiometabolic complications are not fully understood. Here, we identify 62 loci of which the same allele is significantly associated with both higher adiposity and lower cardiometabolic risk. Functional analyses show that the 62 loci are enriched for genes expressed in adipose tissue, and for regulatory variants that influence nearby genes that affect adipocyte differentiation. Genes prioritized in each locus support a key role of fat distribution (FAM13A, IRS1 and PPARG) and adipocyte function (ALDH2, CCDC92, DNAH10, ESR1, FAM13A, MTOR, PIK3R1 and VEGFB). Several additional mechanisms are involved as well, such as insulin-glucose signalling (ADCY5, ARAP1, CREBBP, FAM13A, MTOR, PEPD, RAC1 and SH2B3), energy expenditure and fatty acid oxidation (IGF2BP2), browning of white adipose tissue (CSK, VEGFA, VEGFB and SLC22A3) and inflammation (SH2B3, DAGLB and ADCY9). Some of these genes may represent therapeutic targets to reduce cardiometabolic risk linked to excess adiposity.
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35. |
- Mills, Melinda C., et al.
(author)
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Identification of 371 genetic variants for age at first sex and birth linked to externalising behaviour
- 2021
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In: Nature Human Behaviour. - : Springer Nature. - 2397-3374. ; 5:12, s. 1717-1730
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Age at first sexual intercourse and age at first birth have implications for health and evolutionary fitness. In this genome-wide association study (age at first sexual intercourse, N = 387,338; age at first birth, N = 542,901), we identify 371 single-nucleotide polymorphisms, 11 sex-specific, with a 5-6% polygenic score prediction. Heritability of age at first birth shifted from 9% [CI = 4-14%] for women born in 1940 to 22% [CI = 19-25%] for those born in 1965. Signals are driven by the genetics of reproductive biology and externalising behaviour, with key genes related to follicle stimulating hormone (FSHB), implantation (ESR1), infertility and spermatid differentiation. Our findings suggest that polycystic ovarian syndrome may lead to later age at first birth, linking with infertility. Late age at first birth is associated with parental longevity and reduced incidence of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Higher childhood socioeconomic circumstances and those in the highest polygenic score decile (90%+) experience markedly later reproductive onset. Results are relevant for improving teenage and late-life health, understanding longevity and guiding experimentation into mechanisms of infertility. This genome-wide study of age at first sexual intercourse and first birth identifies 371 signals driven by reproductive biology, externalising behaviour and environmental effects, with later onset associated with lower incidence of some diseases.
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36. |
- Plasqui, G, et al.
(author)
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Body composition in 10-13-year-old children : a comparison between air displacement plethysmography and deuterium dilution.
- 2009
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In: International Journal of Pediatric Obesity. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1747-7166 .- 1747-7174. ; 4:4
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: Air diplacement plethysmography (ADP) has become increasingly popular to assess body composition in children. The aim of this study was to compare ADP with deuterium dilution and to investigate the effect of using child-specific prediction equations to correct raw body volume from ADP for thoracic gas volume (TGV) and body surface area (BSA).METHODS: Thirty-seven healthy Dutch children (17 girls, 20 boys) aged 10-13 years were recruited. Body volume was measured using the Bod Pod. Both adult and child-specific prediction equations were used to correct raw body volume from the Bod Pod for TGV and BSA. Total body water (TBW) was assessed using deuterium dilution. Child-specific densities and hydration fractions of fat-free mass were used to convert body volume and TBW to percentage fat mass (%FM). Correlation and agreement between methods was assessed using linear regression analysis and Bland-Altman plots.RESULTS: Despite a high correlation between the Bod Pod and deuterium dilution (R=0.91, p <0.001), a significant difference was found between %FM obtained using the Bod Pod and deuterium dilution (p <0.001), regardless of the equation used to correct raw body volume for TGV and BSA. Bland-Altman plots showed a systematic bias towards a smaller difference between techniques at higher %FM.CONCLUSION: Significant differences in %FM were found between both methods. Given the underlying assumptions to translate body volume or TBW to %FM, it is recommended to use a 3- or 4-compartment model when assessing body composition in children.
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37. |
- Schoffelen, Paul F. M., et al.
(author)
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Test-retest variability of VO2max using total-capture indirect calorimetry reveals linear relationship of VO2 and Power
- 2019
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports. - : Wiley. - 0905-7188 .- 1600-0838. ; 29:2, s. 213-222
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study aimed to analyze the intra-individual variation in VO2max of human subjects using total-capture and free-flow indirect calorimetry. Twenty-seven men (27 ± 5 year; VO2max 49-79 mL•kg-1 •min-1) performed two maximal exertion tests (CPETs) on a cycle ergometer, separated by a 7 ± 2 day interval. VO2 and VCO2 were assessed using an indirect calorimeter (Omnical) with total capture of exhalation in a free-flow airstream. Thirteen subjects performed a third maximal exertion test using a breath-by-breath calorimeter (Oxycon Pro). On-site validation was deemed a requirement. For the Omnical, the mean within-subject CV for VO2max was 1.2 ± 0.9% (0.0%-4.4%) and for ergometer workload P max 1.3 ± 1.3% (0%-4.6%). VO2max values with the Oxycon Pro were significantly lower in comparison with Omnical (P< t 0.001; t test) with mean 3570 vs 4061 and difference SD 361 mL • min-1. Validation results for the Omnical with methanol combustion were -0.05 ± 0.70% (mean ± SD; n = 31) at the 225 mL • min-1 VO2 level and -0.23 ± 0.80% (n = 31) at the 150 mL • min-1 VCO2 level. Results using gas infusion were 0.04 ± 0.75% (n = 34) and -0.99 ± 1.05% (n = 24) over the respective 500-6000 mL • min-1 VO2 and VCO2 ranges. Validation results for the Oxycon Pro in breath-by-breath mode were - 2.2 ± 1.6% (n = 12) for VO2 and 5.7 ± 3.3% (n = 12) for VCO2 over the 1000-4000 mL •min-1 range. On a Visual analog scale, participants reported improved breathing using the free-flow indirect calorimetry (score 7.6 ± 1.2 vs 5.1 ± 2.7, P = 0.008). We conclude that total capturing free-flow indirect calorimetry is suitable for measuring VO2 even with the highest range. VO2max was linear with the incline in P max over the full range.
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38. |
- Soenen, Stijn, et al.
(author)
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Relationship between perilipin gene polymorphisms and body weight and body composition during weight loss and weight maintenance.
- 2009
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In: Physiology and Behavior. - 0031-9384 .- 1873-507X. ; 96:4-5
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Genetic variation in the perilipin (PLIN) gene may play a role in the etiology and treatment of obesity.OBJECTIVE: To examine different polymorphisms in the PLIN gene in relation to body-weight regulation.METHODS: 118 subjects followed a 6 wk VLCD, followed by 1 year weight maintenance. Body-weight (BW), body composition, leptin concentration, and polymorphisms of the PLIN gene: PLIN1:rs2289487, PLIN4:rs894160, PLIN6:rs1052700, PLIN5:rs2304795 and PLIN7:rs 2304796 were determined.RESULTS: BW loss during VLCD was 7.0+/-3.1 kg (p<0.05), and BW regain was 3.7+/-1.4 kg (p<0.05), including changes in body mass index (BMI), waist-circumference, body-composition and leptin concentrations (p<0.05). Linkage disequilibria were observed between PLIN1 and PLIN4: D' >0.9, r2=0.72; PLIN5 and PLIN7: D' >0.9, r2=0.85. In men, body weight, BMI, waist circumference, body fat, leptin concentrations were significantly lower for the haplotype of PLIN1 (C-alleles) and PLIN4 (A-alleles). In women weight loss and loss of fat mass were larger for the haplotype of PLIN1 (C-alleles) and PLIN4 (A-alleles). For PLIN6 genotypes body weight and body fat were lower for homozygotes of the minor allele (T/T) in the men; in the women leptin concentrations were lower. The haplotype of PLIN5 and PLIN7 consisting of A/G and G/G of PLIN5 and A/A of PLIN7 showed a reduction in FM: 5.9+/-0.6 kg vs 3.1+/-0.4 kg, % body fat: 5.5+/-0.6% vs 2.2+/-0.2%, and leptin: 20.5+/-10.8 ng/ml vs 12.9+/-6.7 ng/ml over time in the women (p<0.05).CONCLUSION: Since the haplotype of the minor alleles PLIN1-4, PLIN5-7 and PLIN6, was related to body-weight regulation at a lower level of body-weight in the men as well in the women we conclude that the PLIN1-4, 6, and 5-7 locus appears as a genetic influencer of obesity risk in humans.
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