Nutrigenomics: SNPs correlated to minerals' deficiencies.

Abstract: Nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics are two interrelated fields that explore the influence of genetic diversity on nutrient responses and function. While nutrigenetics investigates the effects of hereditary ge-netic variations on micronutrient metabolism, nutrigenomics examines the intricate relationship between diet and the genome, studying how genetic variants impact nutrient intake and gene expression. These disciplines offer valuable insights into predicting and managing chronic diseases through personalized nutritional approaches. Nutrigenomics employs cutting-edge genomics technologies to study nutrient-genome interactions. Key principles involve genetic variability among ethnic groups, affecting nutrient bioavailability and metabolism, and the influence of dietary choices based on cultural, geographic, and socioeconomic factors. Polymorphisms, particularly single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), significantly influence gene activity and are associated with specific phenotypes that are related to micronutrient deficiencies. Minerals are inorganic elements, vital for various physiological functions. Understanding the SNPs associated with mineral deficien-cies is crucial for assessing disease risk and developing personalized treatment plans. This knowledge can inform public health interventions, targeted screening programs, educational campaigns, and fortified food products to address deficiencies effectively. Nutrigenomics research has the potential to revolutionize clinical and nutritional practices, providing personalized recommendations, enhancing illness risk assessment, and advancing public health initiatives. Despite the need for further research, harnessing nutrigenomics' potential can lead to more focused and efficient methods for preventing and treating mineral deficiencies.

Nutrigenomics: SNPs Correlated to Lipid and Carbohydrate Metabolism.

Background: Nutrigenomics - the study of the interactions between genetics and nutrition - has emerged as a pivotal field in personalized nutrition. Among various genetic variations, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been extensively studied for their probable relationship with metabolic traits. Methods: Throughout this review, we have employed a targeted research approach, carefully handpicking the most representative and relevant articles on the subject. Our methodology involved a systematic review of the scientific literature to ensure a comprehensive and accurate overview of the available sources. Results: SNPs have demonstrated a significant influence on lipid metabolism, by impacting genes that encode for enzymes involved in lipid synthesis, transport, and storage. Furthermore, they have the ability to affect enzymes in glycolysis and insulin signaling pathways: in a way, they can influence the risk of type 2 diabetes. Thanks to recent advances in genotyping technologies, we now know numerous SNPs linked to lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. The large-scale studies on this topic have unveiled the potential of personalized dietary recommendations based on an individual's genetic makeup. Personalized nutritional interventions hold promise to mitigate the risk of various chronic diseases; however, translating these scientific insights into actionable dietary guidelines is still challenging. Conclusions: As the field of nutrigenomics continues to evolve, collaborations between geneticists, nutritionists, and healthcare providers are essential to harness the power of genetic information for improving metabolic health. By unraveling the genetic basis of metabolic responses to diet, this field holds the potential to revolutionize how we approach dietary recommendations and preventive healthcare practices.

Nutrigenomics: SNPs correlated to detoxification, antioxidant capacity and longevity.

Abstract: Nutritional genomics, also known as nutrigenomics, is the study of how a person's diet and genes interact with each other. The field of nutrigenomics aims to explain how common nutrients, food additives and preservatives can change the body's genetic balance towards either health or sickness. This study reviews the effects of SNPs on detoxification, antioxidant capacity, and longevity. SNPs are mutations that only change one nucleotide at a specific site in the DNA. Specific SNPs have been associated to a variety of biological processes, including detoxification, antioxidant capacity, and longevity. This article mainly focuses on the following genes: SOD2, AS3MT, CYP1A2, and ADO-RA2A (detoxification); LEPR, TCF7L2, KCNJ11, AMY1, and UCP3 (antioxidant capacity); FOXO3 and BPIFB4 (longevity). This review underlines that many genes-among which FOXO3, TCF7L2, LEPR, CYP1A2, ADORA2A, and SOD2-have a unique effect on a person's health, susceptibility to disease, and general well-being. Due to their important roles in numerous biological processes and their implications for health, these genes have undergone intensive research. Examining the SNPs in these genes can provide insight into how genetic variants affect individuals' responses to their environment, their likelihood of developing certain diseases, and their general state of health.

Genetic Variants in Genes Correlated to the PI3K/AKT Pathway: The Role of ARAP3, CDH5, KIF11 and RELN in Primary Lymphedema.

Genetic anomalies affecting lymphatic development and function can lead to lymphatic dysfunction, which could manifest as lymphedema. Understanding the signaling pathways governing lymphatics function is crucial for developing targeted diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. This study aims to characterize genetic variants in genes involved in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which plays a critical role in lymphangiogenesis. 408 patients diagnosed with primary lymphedema were sequenced using a next-generation sequencing (NGS) gene panel composed of 28 diagnostic genes and 71 candidate genes. The analysis revealed six variants in genes RELN, ARAP3, CDH5, and KIF11. Five of these variants have never been reported in the literature. All these genes have been correlated to lymphatic activity and are involved in the PI3K/ AKT pathway. As the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway plays an essential role in lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic function, genetic variants in genes correlated to this pathway could lead to lymphedema. Our findings underscore the potential of the PI3K/AKT pathway in lymphedema pathogenesis, supporting the role of RELN, ARAP3, CDH5,, and KIF11 as diagnostic and therapeutic targets.

SVEP1 is important for morphogenesis of lymphatic system: Possible implications in lymphedema.

SVEP1, also known as Polydom, is a large extracellular mosaic protein with functions in protein interactions and adhesion. Since Svep1 knockout animals show severe edema and lymphatic system malformations, the aim of this study is to evaluate the presence of SVEP1 variants in patients with lymphedema. We analyzed DNA from 246 lymphedema patients for variants in known lymphedema genes, 235 of whom tested negative and underwent a second testing for new candidate genes, including SVEP1, as reported here. We found three samples with rare heterozygous missense single-nucleotide variants in the SVEP1 gene. In one family, healthy members were found to carry the same variants and reported some subclinical edema. Based on our findings and a review of the literature, we propose SVEP1 as a candidate gene that should be sequenced in patients with lymphatic malformations, with or without lymphedema, in order to investigate and add evidence on its possible involvement in the development of lymphedema.

Rare PECAM1 variants in three families with lymphedema.

PECAM1 is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily and is expressed in monocytes, neutrophils, macrophages and other types of immune cells as well as in endothelial cells. PECAM1 function is crucial for the development and maturation of B lymphocytes. The aim of this study was to link rare PECAM1 variants found in lymphedema patients with the development of lymphatic system malformations. Using NGS, we previously tested 246 Italian lymphedema patients for variants in 29 lymphedema-associated genes and obtained 235 negative results. We then tested these patients for variants in the PECAM1 gene. We found three probands with rare variants in PECAM1. All variants were heterozygous missense variants. In Family 1, the unaffected mother and brother of the proband were found to carry the same variant as the proband. Lymphoscintigraphy was performed to determine possible lymphatic malformations and showed that in both cases a bilateral slight reduction in the speed and lymphatic clearance of the lower limbs. PECAM1 function is important for lymphatic vasculature formation. We found variants in PECAM1 that may be associated with susceptibility to lymphedema.

Review of the function of SEMA3A in lymphatic vessel maturation and its potential as a candidate gene for lymphedema: Analysis of three families with rare causative variants.

SEMA3A is a semaphorin involved in cell signaling with PlexinA1 and Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) receptors and it is responsible for recruiting dendritic cells into lymphatics. Mutations in the SEMA3A gene result in abnormalities in lymphatic vessel development and maturation. We investigated the association of SEMA3A variants detected in lymphedema patients with lymphatic maturation and lymphatic system malfunction. First, we used NGS technology to sequence the SEMA3A gene in 235 lymphedema patients who carry wild type alleles for known lymphedema genes. We detected three different missense variants in three families. Bioinformatic results showed that some protein interactions could be altered by these variants. Other unaffected family members of the probands also reported different episodes of subclinical edema. We then evaluated the importance of the SEMA3A gene in the formation and maturation of lymphatic vessels. Our results determined that SEMA3A variants segregate in families with lymphatic system malformations and recommend the inclusion of SEMA3A in the gene panel for testing of patients with lymphedema.

CYP26B1 and its implications in lymphangiogenesis: Literature review and study of rare variants in two families.

CYP26B1 is a member of the cytochrome P450 family and is responsible for the break-down of retinoic acid for which appropriate levels are important for normal development of the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems. In a cohort of 235 patients with lymphatic malformations, we performed genetic testing for the CYP26B1 gene. These probands had previously tested negative for known lymphedema genes. We identified two heterozygous missense CY-P26B1 variants in two patients. Our bioinformatic study suggested that alterations caused by these variants have no major effect on the overall stability of CYP26B1 protein structure. Balanced levels of retinoic acid maintained by CYP26B1 are crucial for the lymphatic system. We identified that CYP26B1 could be involved in predisposition for lymphedema. We propose that CYP26B1 be further explored as a new candidate gene for genetic testing of lymphedema patients.

Mendelian obesity, molecular pathways and pharmacological therapies: a review.

OBJECTIVE: In this qualitative review we analyze the major pathways and mechanisms involved in the onset of genetically-determined obesity (Mendelian obesity), identifying possible pharmacological treatments and trials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched PubMed with the keywords (obesity[Title/Abstract]) AND mutation[Title/Abstract], and OMIM with the keyword "obesity". In both cases, we selected non-syndromic Mendelian obesity. We then searched ClinicalTrials.gov with the following criteria: "recruitment status: active, not recruiting and completed"; "study type: interventional (clinical trial)"; "study results: with results"; type of intervention: "drug or dietary supplement". RESULTS: From the PubMed and OMIM searches we obtained a total of 15 genes associated with monogenic Mendelian obesity. From ClinicalTrials.gov we retrieved 46 completed or active trials of pharmacological treatments. CONCLUSIONS: We summarized the molecular bases of Mendelian obesity and searched for any clinical trials completed or underway for the treatment of severe forms of obesity. Most Mendelian obesities are linked to dysfunctions in the leptin/melanocortin signaling pathway, and most of the possible drugs target this pathway in order to improve energy expenditure and reduce food intake.