OBJECTIVE: Among the genes involved in obesity, the Fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) is certainly one of the most known and the relation between FTO rs9939609 and BMI is highly discussed; nevertheless, data about its influence on body composition are limited. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We carried out a study on a sample of 1066 Italian subjects, whose body composition and FTO rs9939609 were analyzed. RESULTS: W ef ound s ignificant r elations b etween FTO with arm (p= 0.01), abdomen (p= 0.00), and trunk circumferences (p= 0.00), BMI (p= 0.01), FM%(p= 0.00), and android FM%(p= 0.01), whereas no relations were found between FTO and both gynoid fat and lean mass. CONCLUSIONS: To conclude, the relation between FTO and BMI is confirmed and is related specifically with android FM%. These results indicated that FTO rs9939609 may be a genetic etiological factor for obesity. Indeed, the specificity for the android FM% would indicate FTO as an etiological factor in the development of cardiovascular diseases.

FTO rs9939609 influence on adipose tissue localization in the Italian population/Merra, G.; Gualtieri, P.; Cioccoloni, G.; Falco, S.; Bigioni, G.; Tarsitano, MG; Capacci, A.; Piccioni, A.; Costacurta, M.; Franceschi, F.; Renzo, LD.-In: EUROPEAN REVIEW FOR MEDICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES.-ISSN 1128-3602.-24: 6 (2020), pp. 3223-3235.[10.26355/eurrev_202003_20689]