A Case–Control Study Supports Genetic Contribution of the <i>PON</i> Gene Family in Obesity and Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease

oleh: Evelien Van Dijck, Sara Diels, Erik Fransen, Tycho Canter Cremers, An Verrijken, Eveline Dirinck, Alexander Hoischen, Geert Vandeweyer, Wim Vanden Berghe, Luc Van Gaal, Sven Francque, Wim Van Hul

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: MDPI AG 2024-08-01

Deskripsi

The paraoxonase (<i>PON</i>) gene family (including PON1, PON2, and PON3), is known for its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, protecting against metabolic diseases such as obesity and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). In this study, the influence of common and rare <i>PON</i> variants on both conditions was investigated. A total of 507 healthy weight individuals and 744 patients with obesity including 433 with histological liver assessment, were sequenced with single-molecule molecular inversion probes (smMIPs), allowing the identification of genetic contributions to obesity and MASLD-related liver features. Polymorphisms rs705379 and rs854552 in the <i>PON1</i> gene displayed significant association with MASLD stage and fibrosis, respectively. Additionally, rare <i>PON1</i> variants were strongly associated with obesity. This study thereby reinforces the genetic foundation of <i>PON1</i> in obesity and various MASLD-related liver features, by extending previous findings from common variants to include rare variants. Additionally, rare and very rare variants in <i>PON2</i> were discovered to be associated with MASLD-related hepatic fibrosis. Notably, we are the first to report an association between naturally occurring rare <i>PON2</i> variants and MASLD-related liver fibrosis. Considering the critical role of liver fibrosis in MASLD outcome, PON2 emerges as a possible candidate for future research endeavors including exploration of biomarker potential.