A common FTO gene variant is linked to shorter immune cell DNA in non-obese people

Among 2133 participants, the FTO rs9939609 polymorphism is an independent risk factor for biological aging in nonobese subjects.

• The proportions of the TT, TA, and AA genotypes were 76.7%, 21.5%, and 1.8%, respectively.
• Obese individuals comprised 44.5% of the total subjects.
• In nonobese individuals, those with the FTO risk allele had higher body mass index, waist circumference, and visceral fat area compared to noncarriers.
• In obese subjects, only high-sensitive C-reactive protein levels were associated with the FTO risk allele.
• Carriers of the FTO risk allele exhibited significantly shorter leukocyte telomere length compared to noncarriers, particularly in the nonobese group.
• Older age, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and the presence of the FTO risk allele were identified as independent risk factors affecting leukocyte telomere length.

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