A term used to describe nutritional genomics is a relatively new field of science that studies the interactions between nutrition and health in our genome. There are two primary areas to consider when it comes to nutritional genomics. There are two categories: nutrigenomics as well as nutrigenetics. There is a significant distinction between these two. Nutrigenomics focuses on the impact specific nutrients can have on genes, the metabolome, and the proteome. Nutrigenetics is focused on the genetic differences among individuals and the health problems that could result from a particular genetic mutation. (4,5)
Nutrigenomics
The wide range of nutrients may influence the control of gene expression in various cells in the body. There are many pathways to metabolism and methods to maintain the balance of homeostasis in our body. Nutrigenomics, a new field of study, attempts to comprehend the relationship between health and nutrition. It is important to look at genes’ products and the physiological role of these products when they encounter particular nutrients. Certain genes can produce various proteins or substances based on how cells recognize the food item. Every cell of the human body is equipped with a built sensor. Based on the number of nutrients that are detected and the level of protein expression in cells varies. To better comprehend the ways nutrients influence gene expression, further research needs to be conducted in the fields of protein expression as well as the production of metabolites (4)
Example of Nutrigenomics in Action:
Several studies can demonstrate an example of the usage of nutrition in modern medicine. Consider, for example, the survey conducted by Ferguson, which aims to examine the effects of food on genetic polymorphisms in Crohn’s disease. Studies in Crohn’s disease demonstrate the significance of the caspase-activated recruitment domain 15 and major histocompatibility complex II proteins and strong links to interleukin-23, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, and the autophagy-related 16-like genes. Currently, the genes discovered in Crohn’s disease are connected to two distinct pathways: receptor-mediated induction of cytokine or autophagocytosis. A nutrient that has anti-inflammatory effects, like omega-3 fatty acids, are being researched as a possibility to treat this condition. (2)
Another instance of the application of nutrigenomics is shown in Ferguson’s research studies. This research focuses on bowel diseases. Inflammatory bowel disease is believed to be caused due to a genetic predisposition caused by genetic polymorphisms. These genetic disorders alter the way your body responds to the presence of luminal bacteria. The gene responsible for this disorder is the Caspase-activated recruiting domain (CARD15). Other genes that cause the abnormal response to luminal bacteria include autophagy-related 16-like 1 and the human defensin gene. These genes appear to cause an overreaction in the immune system of humans in the gut, creating an increased immune inflammation. Because the nature of the genes involved is well-known, nutritional recommendations can be developed. Probiotics are ingested to influence the microbial flora. Polyphenols and omega 3-fatty acids help decrease inflammation in the digestive tract. Green tea polyphenols have been used to help treat irritable bowel syndrome. (3)
Nutrigenetics, This field of nutrigenomics is extremely interested in the genetic composition of people. It is highly respected within the field of medicine based on individuals. The primary objective of nutrigenetics is to customize the diet. It is the case that depending on a person’s genetic makeup, the right diet can be designed to prevent disease and boost immunity, improve longevity, and improve the quality of life. Currently, the field of nutrigenetics has yet to evolve to be useful on a massive scale. There is still a lot of work to be done in this area. When nutrigenomics can determine what specific nutrients do to a gene, scientists can suggest individual-specific diets. (5)
Examples of Nutrigenetics in Action:
Type 2 Diabetes mellitus can be due to a broad interaction of pathways and genes. It affects the body’s metabolic lipids and insulin sensitivity. The main genes involved in this kind of diabetes are the sterol-response element binding protein and the intronic single nucleotide polymorphism. The mutations in these genes are associated with an increase in the incidence of type II diabetes. This SREBP 1-c gene was extremely sensitive to diets high in fructose. MRNA expression was greatly induced in mice with a particular polymorphism caused by high fructose-based diets. (1)
Another condition that falls under the nutrigenetics umbrella is cardiovascular-related diseases. The causes of hyperlipidemia are associated with genes that encode the apolipoproteins. People who have the E4 allele of the Apolipoprotein E gene have greater bad cholesterol levels due to more fat in their diets compared to those with E1, E2, or E3 alleles. A particular polymorphism within the hepatic lipase gene has been linked to an increase in protective HDL levels compared to those with the TT genotype. (1)
