Extensive alterations of the whole-blood transcriptome are associated with body mass index: results of an mRNA profiling study involving two large population-based cohorts.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Obesity, defined as pathologically increased body mass index (BMI), is strongly related to an increased risk for numerous common cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. It is particularly associated with insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, and systemic oxidative stress and represents the most important risk factor for type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these associations are still not completely understood. Therefore, in order to identify potentially disease-relevant BMI-associated gene expression signatures, a transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) on BMI was performed.

Methods

Whole-blood mRNA levels determined by array-based transcriptional profiling were correlated with BMI in two large independent population-based

SUBMITTER: Homuth G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4608219 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature