In the 2020 study mentioned earlier, researchers also found genetic correlations between snoring and several factors and conditions, including body mass index (BMI), alcohol intake, smoking, schizophrenia, anorexia nervosa, and neuroticism. Through gene-based associations, they pinpointed 173 genes associated with snoring. Among those, DLEU7, MSRB3, and POC5 are notable genes expressed in various body parts such as the brain, cerebellum, lungs, blood, and esophagus.
DLEU7 is associated with various conditions and traits. These include heel bone mineral density, BMI, height, cardiovascular diseases, systolic blood pressure, and a decline in pulmonary function (FEV). The connection between snoring-related genes like DLEU7 and heel bone mineral density might be influenced by BMI, considering the known association between BMI and bone density.
MSRB3, another gene highlighted in the study, is known for its significant role in protein and lipid metabolism pathways. It has been linked with a range of conditions and characteristics, including the volume of the hippocampus, lung function, Alzheimer’s disease, brain injuries, a personality trait known as novelty seeking, deafness, and height.
Earlier in the article, we discussed how underlying conditions like OSA can also contribute to loud snoring. This was the premise of a GWAS published in March this year (2023). In this study, researchers investigated the prevalence of sleep apnea (SA) and snoring across five cohorts.
They identified positions on chromosomes 5, 11, 12, and 16 near genes ANKRD31, STK33, BDNF (also indicated in the 2020 study), KDM2B, and PRIM1, which are significantly associated with sleep apnea. The study also showed that a PRS that combined sleep apnea and snoring data had a better predictive capability.