Association study between the polymorphisms of the fat mass- and obesity-associated gene with the risk of intervertebral disc degeneration in the Han Chinese population.

OBJECTIVE

Insights gained from studies suggest that genetic factors are major contributors to the onset and progression of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). The aim of this study is to investigate whether fat mass- and obesity-associated (FTO) gene polymorphisms are related to the disease in Han Chinese People.

METHODS

118 IVDD cases and 113 healthy subjects were enrolled in this study. Forty-four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the FTO gene were tested and analyzed by the VeraCode GoldenGate Genotyping Assay.

RESULTS

A novel SNP rs11076008 was identified in the association analysis between the genotype and the phenotype. There was statistical significance in the expression of SNP rs11076008 in an allelic frequency distribution (p=0.003) and genotype (p=0.014) using the method of multi-test correction.

CONCLUSIONS

SNP rs11076008 of the FTO gene is associated with IVDD and may play an important role in developing IVDD in Han Chinese People. Our findings provide valuable information regarding the genetic etiology of IVDD in the investigated cohort.