Association between rs8192678 C/T polymorphism of the PPARGC1A gene and metabolically associated fatty liver disease in obese children living in the Moscow region

Over the past 30 years, the incidence of childhood obesity has quadrupled, leading to a rise in metabolically associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), which has multifactorial genesis. Numerous studies highlight a significant genetic contribution to the development and severity of MAFLD. Purpose of the study. Тo determine the distribution of alleles and genotypes of the rs8192678 C/T polymorphism of the PPARGC1A gene and its relationship with the development of MAFLD in obese children living in the Moscow region. Materials and methods. The study included 87 children with exogenous constitutional obesity. The children were divided into two groups: group I - obesity without MAFLD (n = 43), group II - obesity with MAFLD (n = 44). The association of genotypes with the risk of developing MAFLD was studied in various genetic models. Results. 43 (49.4%) children had genotypes containing the T allele: 4 (4.6%) - homozygous TT genotype, 39 (44.8%) - heterozygous CT genotype. The CC genotype was detected in 44 (50.6%) children. The frequency of allele C was 73%. Carriers of the T allele have almost twice the risk of developing MAFLD than сarriers of the C allele (OR = 2.08 (95% CI: 1.05-4.24), p = 0.041). Conclusion. Тhe rs8192678 polymorphism increases the risk of developing MAFLD already in childhood, and with the homozygous TT genotype, this risk more than doubles. Studying the genetic contribution to the development of MAFLD enables a comprehensive approach to assessing individual risks of each patient.