Polygenic risk score related to energy intake regulation and association with body weight, waist circumference, and diet quality of adolescents, adults, and elderly in the city of Sao Paulo: a population-based study HS-SP

• Grant number: 23/04689-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: September 01, 2023
• End date: August 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Nutrition - Nutrition Biochemistry
• Principal Investigator: Marcelo Macedo Rogero
• Grantee: Gabriela de Freitas Laiber Pascoal
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Saúde Pública (FSP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 17/05125-7 - Lifestyle, biochemical and genetic markers as cardiometabolic risk factors: Health Survey in São Paulo City, AP.TEM
• Associated scholarship(s): 23/17725-0 - Evaluation of the polygenic risk score (PRS) related to the regulation of energy intake associated with body weight and biochemical markers across the population in São Paulo and California with validation of the PRS utilizing the Perturb-seq technology., BE.EP.PD

Abstract

Deregulation of energy intake is a major contributor to the high rates of overweight and obesity in Brazil, with more than 50% of adults in most major cities affected, according to a national survey from 2021. Addressing this issue requires urgent improvements in the quality, diversity, and balance of the Brazilian dietary patterns. To better understand the genetic underpinnings of energy intake regulation, weight control, and diet quality in Brazilians, we propose investigating the role of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes that regulate those factors. These key genetic variations can affect an individual's response to dietary factors, and personalized nutrition approaches based on SNPs have the potential to improve the effectiveness of weight control interventions. However, assessing isolated SNPs may not be sufficient to precisely determine disease risk or nutritional needs. Therefore, we will also explore the use of a polygenic risk score (PRS), which integrates the small effects of multiple genetic variants to provide a more comprehensive assessment of an individual's genetic risk for obesity and related disorders. This proposal is part of an ongoing thematic project funded by FAPESP, and will assess the associations of 36 SNPs on energy intake, body weight, waist circumference, and diet quality in 901 participants, including 291 adolescents (12 to 19 years), 302 adults (20 to 59 years), and 308 elderly (e 60 years) from the second stage of the 2015 Nutrition ISA. This study has the potential to provide valuable insights into the complex interplay between genetics and nutrition in the context of weight control and diet quality in Brazil. The information gathered will be useful in developing public policies that can assist populations in achieving personalized recommendations for daily intakes of foods and nutrients, weight control, and a better quality of life. (AU)