Genetic variants associated with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver diseases in a Korean population

Abstract Background Susceptibility to metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver diseases (MAFLD) shows a large inter-ethnic variability. Currently, large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on MAFLD in a Korean population are limited. This study aimed to investigate genes underlying MAFL...

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Main Authors: Jong-Ho Park, Kyoung-Jin Park
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-04-01
Series:European Journal of Medical Research
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s40001-025-02576-6
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author Jong-Ho Park
Kyoung-Jin Park
author_facet Jong-Ho Park
Kyoung-Jin Park
author_sort Jong-Ho Park
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Susceptibility to metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver diseases (MAFLD) shows a large inter-ethnic variability. Currently, large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on MAFLD in a Korean population are limited. This study aimed to investigate genes underlying MAFLD in a Korean population. Methods A total of 13,457 Korean adults (4061 cases and 9396 controls) who underwent abdominal ultrasonography, biochemical testing, and genetic studies at a comprehensive health promotion center from 2019 to 2023 were included. Genome-wide genotyping was conducted using Infinium Asian Screening Array and an iSCAN system (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA). Gene-based approach was conducted with Multi-Marker Analysis for Genomic Annotation (MAGMA) and Functional Mapping and Annotation (FUMA). Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) mapping was done using GTEx v8 data. Results The 22q13.3, 19p13.11, and 2p23.3 loci were associated with MAFLD after adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index (p < 5 × 10–8). Of these, 154 (89%) variants were identified as eQTLs (FDR < 0.05). Gene-based approach showed that PNPLA3, SAMM50, and PARVB were significantly associated with MAFLD (Bonferroni-corrected p < 2.99 × 10−6), followed by PDLIM4, GCKR, APOB, GPAM, HMGA1, C5orf56, and APOC1. Conclusions This is the largest-scale GWAS of MAFLD in a Korean adult population. Genotyping PARVB as well as PNPLA3 might help us identify individuals with the highest risk of MAFLD in Korean adults. These findings would contribute to our understanding of genetic pathogenesis of MAFLD in the Korean population.
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spelling doaj-art-d200b82aac45440a8e170a0091c583ec2025-08-20T03:14:09ZengBMCEuropean Journal of Medical Research2047-783X2025-04-0130111010.1186/s40001-025-02576-6Genetic variants associated with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver diseases in a Korean populationJong-Ho Park0Kyoung-Jin Park1Precision Medicine Center, Seoul National University Bundang HospitalDepartment of Laboratory Medicine & Genetics, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of MedicineAbstract Background Susceptibility to metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver diseases (MAFLD) shows a large inter-ethnic variability. Currently, large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on MAFLD in a Korean population are limited. This study aimed to investigate genes underlying MAFLD in a Korean population. Methods A total of 13,457 Korean adults (4061 cases and 9396 controls) who underwent abdominal ultrasonography, biochemical testing, and genetic studies at a comprehensive health promotion center from 2019 to 2023 were included. Genome-wide genotyping was conducted using Infinium Asian Screening Array and an iSCAN system (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA). Gene-based approach was conducted with Multi-Marker Analysis for Genomic Annotation (MAGMA) and Functional Mapping and Annotation (FUMA). Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) mapping was done using GTEx v8 data. Results The 22q13.3, 19p13.11, and 2p23.3 loci were associated with MAFLD after adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index (p < 5 × 10–8). Of these, 154 (89%) variants were identified as eQTLs (FDR < 0.05). Gene-based approach showed that PNPLA3, SAMM50, and PARVB were significantly associated with MAFLD (Bonferroni-corrected p < 2.99 × 10−6), followed by PDLIM4, GCKR, APOB, GPAM, HMGA1, C5orf56, and APOC1. Conclusions This is the largest-scale GWAS of MAFLD in a Korean adult population. Genotyping PARVB as well as PNPLA3 might help us identify individuals with the highest risk of MAFLD in Korean adults. These findings would contribute to our understanding of genetic pathogenesis of MAFLD in the Korean population.https://doi.org/10.1186/s40001-025-02576-6Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD)Genome-wide association studies (GWAS)Genetic variantsPNPLA3SAMM50PARVB
spellingShingle Jong-Ho Park
Kyoung-Jin Park
Genetic variants associated with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver diseases in a Korean population
European Journal of Medical Research
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD)
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS)
Genetic variants
PNPLA3
SAMM50
PARVB
title Genetic variants associated with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver diseases in a Korean population
title_full Genetic variants associated with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver diseases in a Korean population
title_fullStr Genetic variants associated with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver diseases in a Korean population
title_full_unstemmed Genetic variants associated with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver diseases in a Korean population
title_short Genetic variants associated with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver diseases in a Korean population
title_sort genetic variants associated with metabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver diseases in a korean population
topic Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD)
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS)
Genetic variants
PNPLA3
SAMM50
PARVB
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s40001-025-02576-6
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