Genetic basis of pancreatic steatosis: a systematic review of comparison between African and non-African populations.
Jean Claude Hakizimana, Pelagie Izabayo, M Fatima Leite et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review examined genetic factors associated with pancreatic steatosis in African versus non-African populations, analyzing data from over 120,000 participants. A significant protective variant, rs73449607, was identified in African ancestry, reducing pancreatic fat (β = -0.67, P = 4.50 × 10 -8) and explaining 14.3% of variance in African Americans. The study highlights ancestry-specific mechanisms relevant for precision prevention.
Key findings
- The protective variant rs73449607 reduced pancreatic fat by β = -0.67 (P = 4.50 × 10 -8) in African ancestry.
- 14.3% of the variance in pancreatic fat was explained in African Americans compared to 5.3% overall.
- Black participants showed the lowest pancreatic fat fraction and the strongest HbA1c PRS-fat association (ρ = 0.23, P < 0.0001).
- Causal links were found between genetically predicted intra-pancreatic fat deposition and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (OR 2.46 per SD).
Why it matters
Understanding the genetic basis of pancreatic steatosis across different ancestries can inform targeted prevention strategies and improve outcomes for populations at risk of pancreatic diseases, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.