An introduction to nutrigenomics (Gene-based nutrition)

Transcription

1 An introduction to nutrigenomics (Gene-based nutrition) Friday 12 June 2015 Dubai, UAE Presented by: Umahro Cadogan Adjunct Professor of Nutrition and Functional Medicine at University of Western States Registration & welcome coffee :45 Basics about genetics and health 09:45-10:20 Nutriogenetics and nutriogenomics 10:20-11:00 Epigenetics Coffee break Our genetic material consists of DNA sequences that encode all of the proteins and enzymes required for development and functioning. Epigenetics refers to variations in our genome that are not caused by changes in our DNA sequence. Rather, environmental influences can lead to alterations in gene activation or gene expression without altering the nucleotide sequence. 11:15-12:00 Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) vs. mutations and deletions A SNP is a gene variant that is caused by a change in a single nucleotide; this variation may or may not lead to a change in the structure or function of a gene. SNPs are referred to as low penetrance variations, meaning that on their own they are unlikely to cause a change in phenotype or lead to disease. Mutations on the other hand are used to describe high penetrance sequence variations, meaning that the mutation on its own will cause a particular phenotype or disease. Mutations can be single nucleotide changes, the deletion/duplication of a large sequence or gene, or even the deletion/duplication of an entire chromosome. 12:00-13:15 A Functional Medicine approach to cardiovascular diseases and the impact of SNPs Heart health depends on a complex balance of environmental, dietary and genetic factors. Certain genes, FOR together MORE with INFORMATION the environment, influence LDL and HDL cholesterol levels; +971 higher levels 5001 of LDL, or info@a4mdubai.ae or bad cholesterol, and lower levels of HDL or

2 Lunch break Sponsored by: good cholesterol, are associated with a higher risk of heart disease, which imply that most premature cardiovascular deaths can be prevented if action is taken to avoid or modify external exposures that may cause a genetic predisposition to become clinically relevant :30 A Functional Medicine approach to cardiovascular diseases and the impact of SNPs Part 2 14:30-15:45 Methylation and health Coffee break The central role of methylation in health and disease Methylation is one of the essential metabolic functions of the body and occurs in every cell, to regulate healing, cell energy, genetic expression of DNA, neurological function, liver detoxification, immunity, etc. Thus, health and quality of life are highly dependent on the methylation process. Methylation is influenced by the environment, availability of certain nutrients, as well as enzyme function involved in the methylation process. The impact of SNPs in methylation pathways Certain SNPs have been found to have an effect on the functioning of enzymes involved in the methylation pathway. Presence of these SNPs has been associated with increased risk for developing certain diseases including some cancers, as well as having higher homocysteine levels (a harmful protein found in the blood). Nutrient requirements, such as folic acid, are thus also altered based on the methylation gene variant present Biotransformation in health and disease Impact of SNPs in central biotransformation pathways Presence of certain SNPs in phase one and phase two of the detoxification pathways can result in an overload of highly reactive, and damaging, intermediate compounds and a reduced ability to excrete these compounds from the body. This has been associated with increased risk of chemical sensitivities as well as some diseases of lifestyle including certain cancers Oxidative stress in health and disease Impact of SNPs on antioxidant enzyme systems Oxidative stress can be described as an imbalance between production and elimination of reactive oxygen species (ROS), or free radicals, leading to DNA and

3 cellular damage, as well as increased risk for accelerated aging and tumour growth. Individuals with genetic variants in antioxidant genes carry an increased risk for certain cancers as well as heart disease when certain nutrients are limited, which may be mitigated by personalising requirements of key nutrients The impact of SNPs on cytokine production and the management of uncontrolled inflammation Inflammation is a normal immune response and an essential step in tissue healing. The release of these inflammatory substances is controlled by genes that govern inflammation. However, when these genes are not switched off the inflammatory response continues. Chronic inflammation is a low-grade inflammatory response of prolonged duration. Gene variants have been identified that result in higher basal levels of pro-inflammatory agents called cytokines, due to increased expression of these cytokines. Nutritional and lifestyle interventions, such as weight management and increasing omega 3 fatty acid intake intake, aim to either directly affect the gene expression to reduce cytokine levels, or to address the secondary features of the inflammatory response. Saturday 13 June 2015, Dubai, UAE The genetic influence on bone, joint and ligament health and strength How to use that knowledge clinically Multiple genes are involved in maintaining the structural integrity of soft tissues within the body. Variations within these genes can influence tissue development and remodelling. An alteration in gene function or expression due to a genetic variation may lead to increased injury susceptibility. In a similar way, both nutrition and genetic factors influence bone health and bone mineral density. Having knowledge of an individual s genetic variants in this area can guide the healthcare practitioner to advise on calcium and vitamin D as well as vitamin C and joint and ligament supporting nutrient requirements as well as advising on supportive exercises The genetics of insulin resistance and obesity Management of these conditions with the use of genetics A frequency of Type 2 Diabetes in certain families points to a strong genetic background for the disease, however environmental factors such as obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are usually required to unmask the genes. Based on genetic variants present, an individual can alter their diet and lifestyle to reduce the risk of developing

4 insulin resistance. Sponsored by: Coffee break :30 Genetic variations that impact the response to everyday foods and food constituents in contention Clinical relevance of caffeine, dairy products and salt Presence of certain gene variants give insight to whether individuals may be lactose intolerant, are slow metabolizers of caffeine and thus have increased cardiovascular disease risk with increased caffeine intake, or respond to increased salt intake with an increase in their blood pressure. 12: A Functional Medicine approach to the diagnosis and management of estrogen related disorders Part Lunch break Oestrogen hormones affect the growth, differentiation and function of a number of target tissues. Improving oestrogen metabolism is of benefit to women who suffer from oestrogen-dominant conditions such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), endometriosis, uterine fibroid tumours, fibrocystic or painful breasts, cervical dysplasia, and systematic lupus erythematosis, or where there is a family history of breast, uterine or ovarian cancer, or prostate cancer in men. Considerable interindividual variability has been observed in carcinogen metabolism, metabolism of steroid hormones, and phase I and phase II detoxification. Variations in genes involved in these biological processes help identify a sub-population of women and men with higher lifetime exposure to oestrogens, oestrogen metabolites and other carcinogens. Understanding an individual s genetic variability will allow for targeted diet, lifestyle and hormone intervention A Functional Medicine approach to the diagnosis and management of estrogen related disorders Part Coffee break The impact of genetics on estrogen metabolism Case discussions

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