Interaction between adiposity and genetic risk score on blood pressure traits in Mexican adults

Hypertension is a complex disease influenced by genetic and environmental factors, with obesity being a major risk factor. We aimed to evaluate the interaction between adiposity indicators and genetic risk on blood pressure traits in a Mexican population. This longitudinal study included 1424 adults from the Health Workers Cohort Study, with data collected in 2004-2006, 2010-2012, and 2016-2019. A genetic risk score (GRS) was computed by summing the risk alleles from six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and categorized into tertiles. Analyses were performed using hybrid mixed-effects regression and Cox proportional hazards models, adjusting for potential confounders. Significant longitudinal associations were observed for body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and body fat percentage (total and trunk) with higher systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) levels, both between- and within-subjects. A positive longitudinal interaction was also found between the GRS and each adiposity indicator on DBP. For example, with each unit increase in BMI over time, individuals in the highest GRS category had on average, higher DBP levels than those in the lowest GRS category (P = 0.001). Our longitudinal findings suggest a positive interaction between genetic factors and adiposity on blood pressure, underscoring the need to consider both aspects when addressing hypertension risk in the Mexican population.