Nutrigenomic Approaches to Unravel the Interaction Between Dietary Fatty Acids and Gene Expression in Lipid Metabolism Pathways
Keywords:
Nutrigenomics, dietary fatty acids, gene expression, lipid metabolism, transcriptomicsAbstract
Purpose
This study examines how dietary fatty acids influence gene expression within lipid metabolism pathways using a nutrigenomic perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
A comprehensive review of nutrigenomics literature was conducted, alongside the synthesis of experimental transcriptomic data, to elucidate interactions between dietary fatty acids and genes regulating lipid metabolism. Particular emphasis was placed on key transcriptional regulators and metabolic enzymes.
Findings
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were found to selectively modulate the expression of genes involved in lipid uptake, synthesis, and catabolism. In contrast, high intake of saturated fatty acids was associated with altered expression of pro-inflammatory lipid regulatory genes, suggesting a potential mechanistic link to metabolic dysregulation.
Practical implications
These findings support the development of targeted dietary strategies aimed at improving metabolic health through modulation of nutrient–gene interactions.
Originality/value
This integrative review consolidates emerging evidence on nutrigenomic biomarkers, highlighting the role of dietary fatty acids in driving specific gene expression changes relevant to lipid metabolism and metabolic disease risk.
References
[1] Adams, L. A., & Angulo, P. (2006). Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Lancet, 367(9512), 227–238.
[2] Baer, D. J., et al. (2013). Effects of dietary fatty acids on gene expression in human adipose tissue. Am J Clin Nutr; 97(3), 625–632.
[3] Calder, P. C. (2015). Functional roles of fatty acids and their effects on gene expression. Prog Lipid Res, 59, 132–149.
[4] Chassaing, B., et al. (2017). Dietary emulsifiers impact gene expression linked to inflammation. Nutrients, 9(8), 764.
[5] Clarke, S. D. (2004). Polyunsaturated fatty acid regulation of gene transcription. Curr Opin Lipidol, 15(3), 141–146.
[6] De Caterina, R., & Massaro, M. (2005). Omega-3 fatty acids and gene expression in atherosclerosis. Lipids, 40(5), 443–449.
[7] Dikeman, C. L., & Fahey, G. C. (2006). Viscosity as related to dietary fiber: a review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr, 46(8), 649–663.
[8] Jump, D. B. (2002). Fatty acid regulation of gene transcription. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci, 39(1), 41–78.
[9] Kaur, G., et al. (2010). Dietary fats and inflammation. Nutrients, 2(10), 1018–1030.
[10] Kelley, D. S., et al. (1999). Docosahexaenoic acid incorporation into plasma lipids. J Lipid Res, 40(12), 2059–2065.
[11] Kris-Etherton, P. M., et al. (2002). Monounsaturated fatty acids and cardiovascular disease risk. J Nutr, 132(3), 329–332.
[12] Lairon, D. (2009). Nutrigenomics: dietary regulation of gene expression. Br J Nutr, 101(S2), S1–S5.
[13] Larsen, T. M., et al. (2010). Dietary macronutrient effects on gene expression. Am J Clin Nutr, 91(3), 748–758.
[14] Li, Y., & Huang, T. (2011). Impact of omega-3 on gene transcription. J Lipid Res, 52(12), 2234–2245.
[15] Minihane, A. M., et al. (2015). Fatty acids and gene interactions in lipid metabolism. Nutr Res Rev, 28(2), 147–168.
[16] Norris, P. C., & Dennis, E. A. (2012). Omega-3 fatty acids in inflammation and metabolic regulation. Mol Aspects Med, 33(1), 10–25.
[17] Okuda, T., et al. (2001). Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor activation by fatty
