Work

The interaction between ABCG2 rs2231142 polymorphism and vegetarian diet on the prevalence of hyperuricemia in a large Taiwanese cohort

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Hyperuricemia(HUA) is associated with metabolic and cardiovascular comorbidities. Genetic factors, particularly the ABCG2 rs2231142 polymorphism, and dietary habits such as vegetarianism, significantly influence hyperuricemia risk. However, the interplay between these factors remains unclear in the Taiwanese population. To investigate the association of the ABCG2 rs2231142 polymorphism and vegetarian diet on the risk of hyperuricemia in a Taiwanese cohort. This population-based case-control study utilized data from 11,113 participants in the Taiwan Biobank. Participants carrying the ABCG2 rs2231142 polymorphism (GG and GT/TT genotypes) were analyzed alongside dietary habits (vegetarian vs. non-vegetarian) and various clinical confounders. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and identify gene–diet interactions. Among 11,113 participants, the overall prevalence of HUA was 11.1%. Participants carrying the ABCG2 rs2231142 GT/TT genotypes exhibited a significantly higher prevalence and adjusted risk of HUA compared to those with the GG genotype. The study found no significant interaction between this genetic polymorphism and dietary patterns (P interaction =0.610). Compared to GG-carrier vegetarians, the adjusted odds ratios for HUA were 2.198 (95% CI: 1.369–3.528, p = 0.0011) among GT/TT vegetarians and 2.171 (95% CI: 1.466–3.215, p < 0.001) among GT/TT non-vegetarians. In the gender-stratified analysis, females carrying the GT/TT genotypes exhibited significantly higher odds of HUA among both vegetarians (OR: 3.560; 95% CI: 1.504–8.427) and non-vegetarians (OR: 3.405; 95% CI: 1.580–7.336). Males with the same high-risk genotypes showed statistical significance in non-vegetarians (OR: 1.686; 95% CI: 1.051–2.706) and nominal elevation in vegetarians (OR: 1.695; 95% CI: 0.939–3.061). Non-drinkers with the GT/TT genotype faced increased odds of HUA in both the vegetarian (OR: 2.082; 95% CI: 1.269–3.416) and non-vegetarian (OR: 2.109; 95% CI: 1.400–3.178) categories. Among alcohol consumers, odds ratios remained elevated for GT/TT carriers across both diets (vegetarians: OR 4.861; non-vegetarians: OR 3.282), though these associations did not reach statistical significance in this stratum. BMI-stratified results showed that in the BMI ≥ 24 kg/m² group, the GT/TT genotype was associated with significantly increased odds for both vegetarians (OR = 1.854, 95% CI: 1.096–3.139) and non-vegetarians (OR = 1.794, 95% CI: 1.171–2.747). In BMI < 24 kg/m² subgroup, GT/TT carriers exhibited a high risk of hyperuricemia regardless of dietary habits, with odds ratios of 4.861 for vegetarians and 3.282 for non-vegetarians. The ABCG2 rs2231142 T-allele exerts a dominant influence on urate homeostasis that a vegetarian diet cannot offset. This “genetics-over-diet” paradigm indicates that dietary modification alone is insufficient for high-risk individuals. Clinical management should prioritize genetic screening and early pharmacological intervention to enhance urate excretion in the Taiwanese population. Not applicable.

Source: Genes & Nutrition

DOI: 10.1186/s12263-026-00816-w