This study investigated how the DNACJ6 gene variation related to RMR alteration affects risk factors of obese environments in children with obesity aged 8-9.
Methods: Over a three-year follow-up period, 63.3% of original students participated. Changes in the variables (anthropometrics, blood biochemistry, and dietary intakes) were analyzed and compared between those without obesity (non-OB) and with obesity (OB) classified at the study endpoint.
Result: The average MAF of nine SNPs (D-1 to D-IX) was defined as 18.1%. The OB group showed greater increases in RMR, BMI, WC, and SBP, while the non-OB group had significantly greater increases in HDL and intakes of nutrients (e.g., total calories, vitamins B2, C, folate, A, retinol, iron, and zinc). Increased RMR, BMI, BW, and RMR/BW changes were observed with mutant allele of D-I SNP, which was also associated with a higher prevalence of obesity. Greater increases in animal fat intake, including saturated fatty acids and retinol, were noted in the minor alleles of D-VI, D-VII, D-VIII, and D-IX SNPs compared to those of the major alleles. The odds ratio for BMI risk was significantly higher in the mutant alleles of D-I (rs17127601), D-VII (rs1334880), and D-VIII (rs7354899) compared to the wild type, with increases of 2.59 times (CI; 1.068-6.274), 1.86 times (CI; 1.012-3.422), and 1.85 times (CI; 1.008-3.416), respectively. RMR was a mild risk factor in minors of the D-1, D-VII, and D-VIII; however, a higher RMR/BW ratio significantly correlated with decreased BMI risk, and this effect was found in only the major alleles of D-I, D-VII, and D-VIII SNPs, not in the minor alleles. High retinol intake appeared to reduce obesity risk in the minor alleles of the D-I, D-VII, and D-VIII SNPs, even though intake of animal fats and retinol remained higher among minors over the three years.
Conclusions: These findings suggest that the RMR/BW ratio and dietary fat/retinol intake should be considered in DNACJ6-gene-based precision medicine approaches for pediatric obesity prevention, particularly for boys.
Keywords: DNAJC6; children obesity; dietary fat; dietary retinol; energy expenditure; resting metabolic rate (RMR); three-year panel study.