Risk Factors Related to Resting Metabolic Rate-Related DNAJC6 Gene Variation in Children with Overweight/Obesity: 3-Year Panel Study

This study investigated how the gene variation related to RMR alteration affects risk factors of obese environments in children with obesity aged 8-9. Over a three-year follow-up period, 63.3% of original students participated. Changes in the variables (anthropometrics, blood biochemistry, and dietary intakes) were analyzed and compared between those without obesity (non-OB) and with obesity (OB) classified at the study endpoint. The average MAF of nine SNPs ( to ) was defined as 18.1%. The OB group showed greater increases in RMR, BMI, WC, and SBP, while the non-OB group had significantly greater increases in HDL and intakes of nutrients (e.g., total calories, vitamins B2, C, folate, A, retinol, iron, and zinc). Increased RMR, BMI, BW, and RMR/BW changes were observed with mutant allele of SNP, which was also associated with a higher prevalence of obesity. Greater increases in animal fat intake, including saturated fatty acids and retinol, were noted in the minor alleles of , , and SNPs compared to those of the major alleles. The odds ratio for BMI risk was significantly higher in the mutant alleles of and compared to the wild type, with increases of 2.59 times (CI; 1.068-6.274), 1.86 times (CI; 1.012-3.422), and 1.85 times (CI; 1.008-3.416), respectively. RMR was a mild risk factor in minors of the ; however, a higher RMR/BW ratio significantly correlated with decreased BMI risk, and this effect was found in only the major alleles of and SNPs, not in the minor alleles. High retinol intake appeared to reduce obesity risk in the minor alleles of the , , and SNPs, even though intake of animal fats and retinol remained higher among minors over the three years. These findings suggest that the RMR/BW ratio and dietary fat/retinol intake should be considered in -gene-based precision medicine approaches for pediatric obesity prevention, particularly for boys.