Physical activity attenuates the effect of the FTO T/A polymorphism on obesity-related phenotypes in adult Russian males

Introduction. Although the effect of the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene on adiposity is well established, there is a lack of evidence whether physical activity (PA) modifies the effect of FTO variants on obesity in Russians. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine PA influences and interactive effects between FTO variants and PA on measures of adiposity in Russians. Materials and methods. 110 Russian males aged 22-52 years old were examined. Anthropometry: height and weight, waist and hip circumferences were taken. The whole-body impedance was measured on the right-hand side of the body using the bioimpedance meter ABC-01 ‘Medas’ (SRC Medas, Russia) according to a conventional tetrapolar scheme at a frequency of 50 kHz. For each subject participating in the study, the genotype was determined by the polymorphic systems of the T/A (rs9939609) polymorphism of the FTO gene (Lytekh, Moscow). Results. Participants who did not engage in regular PA exhibited higher BMI, fat mass, HC, and WC with statistical significance (P ≤ 0.01). Although significant associations between the three FTO genotypes and adiposity measures were found in the sedentary group. There were no significant associations between FTO genotypes and obesity-related phenotypes in the PA group. Conclusion. Comparison of morphological parameters in carriers of alternative genotypes in two subgroups with different lifestyles makes it possible to conclude that the A allele determines a greater tendency to accumulate fat in cases where there is no regular physical activity.