Nutrigenomics and Nutrigenetics

There has been a long-standing debate whether the fate or characteristics of a feature organism or human organism is pendant on the surround or its contagiousal makeup although scientific data collected in recent eld point to the interaction amid these deuce. fit in to experts in the field, the physical, chemical and behavioural properties of a psyche can be attributed to the interaction between the convention which is patrimonials and the test site which is the environment. Genetic makeup can be considered a blueprint wherein properties regarding growth and development of an organism is stored and copied while environment can be regarded as the actual dynamism of living and pulseless factors that surround and furbish up the organism.Currently, thither ar two controversial aras of amuse related to nutrition, wellness and well being, the nutrigenomics and nutri catchings. These two fields involve the require of implications between nutrition, metabolism and inherit able mechanisms. Proponents of nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics believe that nutrition plays a vital procedure in the metabolic processes inside the body and that there atomic number 18 specific nutriment for thought and fluids that atomic number 18 appropriate for a token genetic makeup.This paper aims to differentiate between nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics and their role in the current nutrition query. The cultivations, applications and implications will be likewise enumerated. In addition current searches that excavate into this bea will be included to better understand the prospective and impact of this controversial science.Goals and Implications of Nutrigenomics and NutrigeneticsAccording to Mariman (2007) one of the primary goals of nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics is to pinpoint nutrient-dependent health characteristics and nutrition-dependent disorders. This revolves on the fact that certain genetic disorders are triggered by particular food or be relieved b y certain supplements. These areas on grievous nutrient-dependent genetic check overs are the ones gaining foremost attention but there are some opposite research fields that are equ all in ally grave and can be considered part of nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics.An cause is the search for nutritional strategies to interdict or manage over cargo or obesity. The purpose is to welcome food types that can easily induce satiety to touch on persons while providing the postulate nutrients at the same time. A nonher example is studying mechanisms involving food excitement by primitive organisms in the digestive tract and in an conventionalized specify.Such information will be enlightening regarding better and economic digestion. The other area connected to nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics concerns food composition and performance of character assessment by studying the interconnectivity of the proteomic and metabolic pathways that will be explained succeeding(a) (Burton & Ste wart, 2004 Mariman, 2007).Undoubtedly, there will be a large impact on the food industry, genetics and infirmity research all around the valet de chambre when the direct and exact mechanisms and applications of nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics are laid down through scientific and intensive research (Burton & Stewart, 2004).Effects of Nutrient on the Genome, Proteome and MetabolomeNutrition is believed to be influencing the genetic and metabolic makeup of an organism in three sanctioned levels. These are on the level of the genome, proteome and metabolome. Genome is the overall genetic blueprint of an organism. It includes all the genes and other regions of the infrastructure taking overs in all the chromosomes that are transferred from the parent to the offspring. According to studies concerning nutrient and genomics, certain genes are either turned on or off by the presence, abundance or absence of a particular nutrient. Severe imbalance in nutrition adversely affects an singu lar repayable to the nerve of genes that makes that different(prenominal) susceptible to chronic indispositions (Paturel, 2006).According to Paturel (2006), antioxidants are an example of molecular(a) food components that can extensively affect the genome and gene looking at of an individual. Certain complaints much(prenominal) as cancer and health conditions such as aging are believed to be associated to the lack of antioxidants in the regimen of affected persons.Another rattling important nutrient that can grievously affect the genome is folate. Folate and folic acid, which are forms of vitamin B9, play a very important role in the deoxynucleotide acid ( deoxyribonucleic acid) synthesis, replication and repair. This means that absence of this said nutrient can top out to depletion of genetic material, errors in DNA replication and harm to the genome. This lack of folate in the diet can result to severe healthcare problems such as stick out defects and cardiovascula r disease among important genetic disorders (Meshkin & Blum, 2007).On the proteome and metabolome level, nutrition also has large impact. An example is the unfitness to process or digest milk proteins. This condition is attributed to lactose superstition in persons with disruptions in intestinal enzyme needed to digest dairy products. This condition induces the body to synthesize morphine-like compounds which triggers autism and schizophrenic disorder when absorbed by specific regions of the brain. The goal, therefore, is to cast food supplements that would prevent lactose intolerance and consequently prevent autism and schizophrenia (Paturel, 2006).Differences between Nutrigenomics and NutrigeneticsNutrigenomics is defined as a frame of technological research and applications involving the elucidation of the mechanisms wherein the genetic program functioning in cells and tissues of an organism is purportedly influenced by the organisms diet. Muller and Kersten (2003) defines nu trigenomics as the application in nutrition research of high throughput genomics tools by analyzing dietary signals in cells and tissues towards clearing of the impact of nutrition on homeostasis. Simply put, nutrigenomics is the merging of nutritional environment and cellular or genetic functions (Kaput & Rodriguez, 2004).Nutrigenetics, on the other hand, is the use of genetic variation data correlated with dietary health assays. Nutrigenetics is based on the assumption that there is genetic variation in human existences and that an individuals response to nutrition is governed by various genes. Thus, nutrigeneticists claim that individuals whitethorn react differently on different diets which imply that nutrition-related disorders can be treated and prevent by modifying diet. This includes identifying those genes that are involved, the differences of these genes in every individual and the applications for health and disease in the people setting.The above definitions give a clear view of the differences between nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics. Nutrigenomics looks at the whole response of the genome on particular diet or nutrition. Studies conducted under nutrigenomics use a set of individuals who are largely dissimilar in metabolic responses to particular diet. For example, research related to obesity uses those that are not susceptible to the said condition versus individuals that project obesity or chronic obesity.Using different types of nutritional setup or specific food groups, scientists aim to provide the metabolic pathways that are specific to developing obesity or resistance to such tendency. Another example is diabetes or cardiovascular disease wherein individuals who are make to have high risks on such diseases are examined on their reply to particular diet or nutrition. Other examples of single gene traits that have large healthcare impacts are those involved in phenylketonuria and galactosemia (Kaput & Rodriquez, 2004).Nutrigenetics, on the other hand, looks on the population response to diet or nutrition. rank variations are detection through molecular studies. An example of such molecular tool is the study of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). These changes in the nucleotide sequence of subjects can lend an explanation on the reaction of particular individuals in relation to the reaction of other individuals.Persons with this changes or SNPs may have all important(p) substation leading to a health care condition. For example, a cytosine-to-thymidine substitution may cause an increase in the levels of homocysteine in the plasma which increases a persons risk of acquiring venous thromboembolic disease and neural tube-shaped structure defects (Subbiah, 2006).Since the two areas of research differ on the part and extent of uncomplaining characteristics, therefore the tools and applications largely vary. Nutrigenomics involve various technological implements to ascertain the expression of target genes. Nutri genomics uses mRNA profiling, protein profiling, metabolite profiling, gene expression tests and other molecular tools. The goal is to determine the presence of a particular enzyme, protein, by-product or metabolite in the cells, tissues or system in the subjects subjected to nutrients being tested (Mariman, 2007).On the other hand, nutrigenetics requires the use of genetic polymorphism tests such as isozyme or nucleotide sequencing. The aim is to detect changes or polymorphisms in a person that is diverging from that of the population. Of important interest is placed in cases of known conditions arising from nucleotide changes such as the one mentioned above involving cytosine-to-thymidine substation which resulted to neural tube defects (Kaput & Rodriguez, 2004 Subbiah, 2006)Obviously, since the target areas of nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics are very different from each other, the intervention strategies or treatments should also be divergent. Whereas personally-tailored nutritio n and supplements should be inclined to patients in nutrigenomics the nutrients or supplements to be given to nutrigenetics subjects may be less specific. For example, for those ugly from galactosemia and phenylketonuria, appropriate foods are to be given to avoid or prevent the negative effects of these health conditions (Wallace, 2006 Kaput & Rodriguez, 2007).Nutrigenetics, on the other hand, covers a large portion of the population wherein functional foods and supplements may be made available to the market for the great unwashed who have the risk, as tested by polymorphism detection, of a disease or health condition such as cardiovascular disease or obesity. Supplements that lower cholesterol that adversely affects certain groups may be taken as prescribed by physicians (Meshkin & Blum, 2007 Subbiah 2006).Current seek in Nutrigenomics and NutrigeneticsNovel research on folate nutrigenomics research highlighted the importance of this vitamin in the development of humans such t hat absence can invariably lead to birth defects. Research by Meshkin & Blum (2007) give high association between folate and cardiovascular disease and birth defects drop-off. They were also to able to find the genetic influence on folate. Studies such as this led to the critique of current policies regarding one-size-fits-all government approach of folate and folic acid supplementation.Chen et al. (2007) found chromium picolinate to have anti-obesity nutrient traits since it affects body composition and reduces weight in humans. They achieved this by genotyping the dopamine D2 receptor gene using standard polymerase compass reaction techniques. Using placebo and different treatment of chromium picolinate, the authors found the significant therapeutic effect of the said nutritional compound in influencing weight loss and reduction in body fat. Their results established the need for DNA testing for this application.Heuvel (2007) conducted a research regarding the effects of pist achios on cardiovascular disease risk factors. His research included effects of pistachios on lipoproteins and lipids, apolipoproteins, insulin, blood rack and genetic expression of various genes among other related factors. Results showed that cholesterol reduction diet with pistachios greatly improved the efficiency. In addition, increasing pistachio superman also increased the benefits in decreasing the cardiovascular disease risk on subjects. The said research was achieved by considering the different risk factors in a nutrition genomics experiment. Aside from this study, the author has other proposed experiments including the effects of walnuts on hypercholesterolemia and peanuts on cardiovascular health.Holick (2006) reiterated available and extensive evidence on the importance of vitamin D related to prevention and treatment of rickets, osteoporosis, type 1 diabetes mellitus, many common cancers and hypertension. His paper put importance on lie exposure and vitamin D suppl ements to avoid vitamin D deficiency and avert succumbing to various diseases which apart from the above, includes also psoriasis, multiple sclerosis and cardiovascular disease among others.Researchers from the subject area nominate of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) are currently in search for answers regarding coeliac disease, a disorder wherein a person cannot tolerate a protein in wheat, rye, barley and oats called gluten. Aside from designing diet that would be beneficial for patients suffering from celiac disease, these researchers are also in the hunt for the responsible chemicals in the destruction of the function of the immune system. They are engineering enzymes that can nullify or destroy immunotoxic peptides produced in affected persons by establishing the environmental and genetic aspects of the disease (NIDDK, 2007).Above advances in the nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics research are indeed stiff paced and covers multiple fronts due to the large impact of their results to the food, genetics and healthcare industry. What is very perceptible is the specific focus of each research team on particular areas in individual disease or disorder. Their studies are more(prenominal) foc apply because the causes already been identified by the involved pathways or gened. This is due to the fact that causes have been pinpointed to the key genes or pathways involved. For example, folate, chromium picolinate and vitamin D in the enumerated researches above have been separate by workers in these fields.One noticeable pattern, however, is the prominence of nutrigenomics over nutrigenetics. There are more research activities being conducted tackling the effect of nutrition on the genome reaction. More gene expression, metabolic pathways and proteomic analyses are being performed than genetic diversity tests in relation to nutrition. In other words, the approach of nutrition genomics is currently more adapted to individualize diet design s ince this can be considered a quick fix.However, the trend is not towards the dominant use of nutrigenomics. Instead, there is a need for nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics to be used in combination. This is because nutrigenomics can put solutions on the gene, protein and metabolic level of the disease but those that are suffering from various disorders are not isolated or few.There are large proportions in the population who are affected by diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic obesity, diabetes or celiac disease and each patient is unique and groups in every population are also deemed to be unique in their own genetic makeup. Since nutrigenomics can be used to develop quick-fix diet but not in a population level. This is where nutrigenetics should come in.In summary, nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics are two differing fields of modern nutrition and health science with a very large impact on the food and healthcare industry. Nutrigenomics aims to help individuals surpas s disorders or disease by identifying key genes, proteins and metabolic pathways and providing appropriate diet or supplements while nutrigenetics tackles the variations in populations related to diet and nutrition dependent disease or disorders.Current researches delve into the specific effects of food and nutrition to the risks and development of known disorders such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, birth defects and many others. Although there have been more work being conducted in nutrigenomics, combination with nutrigenetics is seen to have more beneficial results for patients and other people that are at risk to the said healthcare problems.Works CitedBurton, H. and A. Stewart. (2004). Nutrigenomics. The Nuffield Trust. purchasable from www.leatherheadfood.com/nutrigenomics/nutrigenomics07.pdf 18 November 2007Chen, T., Blum, K., Kaats, G., et al. (2007). atomic number 24 picolinate (CrP) a putative anti-obesity nutrient induces changes in body compositio n as a function of the Taq1 dopamine D2 receptor polymorphisms in a randomize double-blind placebo controlled study. Gene Ther. Mol. Biol. (11) 161-170. Available from www.dnasoa.com/2006/pdf/cpp.pdf 17 November 2007Holick, M.F. (2006). High prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy and implications for health. mayo Clin. Proc. 81(3). Available from 17 November 2007Kaput, J. and R. Rodriguez. (2004). Nutritional genomics the next frontier in the postgenomic era. Physiol. Genomics (16) 166-177. Available from physiolgenomics.physiology.org/cgi/ meaning/full/16/2/166 17 November 2007Kaput, J., Perlina, A., Hatipoglu, B., Bartholomew, A. and Y. Nikolsky. (2007). Nutriggenomics concepts and applications to pharmacogenomics and clinical medicine. Pharmacogenomics 8 (4). Available from www.genego.com/PubFTP/PharmacogenomicsKaput.pdf 18 November 2007Mariman. E..C. (2007). Nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics. Research Institute NUTRIM. Maastricht University Department of Human Biology. Available fro m 18 November 2007Meshkin, B and K. Blum. (2007). Folate nutrigenetics A convergence of dietary folate metabolism, folic acid supplementation, and folate antagonist pharmacogenetics. medicine Metabolism Letters. (2) 55-60. Available from www.bentham.org/dml/samples/dml1-1/Blum.pdf 18 November 2007Muller M, Kersten S. (2003). Nutrigenomics goals and strategies. Nat Rev Genet. 4(4)315-22.NIDKK. (2007). Celiac disease. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. National Institutes of Health. Available from digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ ddiseases/pubs/celiac/ 18 November 2007Paturel, A. (2006). Does your diet fit your genes? psyche Fitness Journal. Available from www.dswfitness.com/docs/2006IDEANutrition1.pdf 18 November 2007Subbiah, M.T. (2006). Nutrigenetics and nutraceuticals the next wave riding on personalized medicine. Translational Research. Available from www.mdl-labs.com/documents/Nutrigenetics.pdf 18 November 2007Vanden Heuvel, J.P. (2007). Regulation of ge ne expression by thermonuclear receptors Role in toxicology, chemoprevention and nutrition. Penn State University Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences. Available from17 November 2007Wallace, H. (2006). Your diet tailored to your genes Preventing diseases or misleading marketing? GeneWatch UK. Available from19 November 2007