Heuristic approach uncovering biological significance of gene-lifestyle interactions in cardiometabolic traits.

Background: Gene-lifestyle interaction studies using GWAS data contribute to a better understanding of individual responses to environmental exposures. Objectives: Herein, we aimed at assessing the biological significance of overlapping genes reported in gene-lifestyle interaction studies in cardiometabolic health. Method: A heuristic analysis of genes reporting significant interactions related to cardiometabolic traits was performed to determine the biological pathways common to the different traits. Results: A total of 873 genes were analysed. Fine and condensed phenotypic solutions were obtained from overlapping genes common to more than one trait. Conclusions: This study revealed significant metabolic pathways associated with the impact of gene-environment interactions on cardiometabolic risk.