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Nutrition and genetics: an expanding frontier
1Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa 33612, USA. rolson@hsc.usf.edu
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|July 30, 2003
Summary
Genetic concepts explain nutrient metabolism. Early research on fat-soluble vitamins and gene regulation, including vitamin K, revealed varied mechanisms. Later, polyunsaturated fats were found to genetically regulate fatty acid metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Nutrient Metabolism
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- The discovery of DNA structure in 1953 marked the beginning of molecular biology.
- The genetic code and regulation of protein synthesis were being elucidated by 1961.
- Interest in genetic regulation of nutrient metabolism emerged during this era.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of genetic concepts in understanding nutritional phenomena.
- To investigate the hypothesis that fat-soluble vitamins regulate gene clusters.
- To determine the mechanism by which polyunsaturated fatty acids lower plasma lipid concentrations.
Main Methods:
- Investigated vitamin K's mechanism of action regarding gene regulation.
- Studied the effects of linoleic acid on fatty acid storage and oxidation in humans.
Main Results:
- Vitamin K was found to be an exception among fat-soluble vitamins, not primarily acting via gene regulation.
- Linoleic acid was shown to reduce fatty acid storage and enhance fatty acid oxidation.
- Recent genetic interpretation indicates polyunsaturated fats down-regulate storage enzymes and up-regulate oxidation genes.
Conclusions:
- Genetic regulation plays a role in nutrient metabolism, though not universally across all fat-soluble vitamins.
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids influence lipid metabolism through genetic mechanisms, affecting fatty acid storage and oxidation pathways.