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Effect modification by sex of genetic associations of vitamin C related metabolites in the Canadian Longitudinal study on aging

Authors :
Rebecca Lelievre
Mohan Rakesh
Pirro G. Hysi
Julian Little
Ellen E. Freeman
Marie-Hélène Roy-Gagnon
Source :
Frontiers in Genetics, Vol 15 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
Frontiers Media S.A., 2024.

Abstract

Introduction: Vitamin C is an essential nutrient. Sex differences in serum vitamin C concentrations have been observed but are not fully known. Investigation of levels of metabolites may help shed light on how dietary and other environmental exposures interact with molecular processes. O-methylascorbate and ascorbic acid 2-sulfate are two metabolites in the vitamin C metabolic pathway. Past research has found genetic factors that influence the levels of these two metabolites. Therefore, we investigated possible effect modification by sex of genetic variant-metabolite associations and characterized the biological function of these interactions.Methods: We included individuals of European descent from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging with available genetic and metabolic data (n = 9004). We used linear mixed models to tests for genome-wide associations with O-methylascorbate and ascorbic acid 2-sulfate, with and without a sex interaction. We also investigated the biological function of the important genetic variant-sex interactions found for each metabolite.Results: Two genome-wide statistically significant (p value < 5 × 10−8) interaction effects and several suggestive (p value < 10–5) interaction effects were found. These suggestive interaction effects were mapped to several genes including HSD11B2, associated with sex hormones, and AGRP, associated with hunger drive. The genes mapped to O-methylascorbate were differently expressed in the testis tissues, and the genes mapped to ascorbic acid 2-sulfate were differently expressed in stomach tissues.Discussion: By understanding the genetic factors that impact metabolites associated with vitamin C, we can better understand its function in disease risk and the mechanisms behind sex differences in vitamin C concentrations.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
16648021
Volume :
15
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Frontiers in Genetics
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.bcb1fcbda2dc4c87bf5d6fe2281c5529
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2024.1411931