COMPENDIUM ON FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Flipbook - Page 224
metabolism [52]. These interactions occur through several
mechanisms:
Direct Transcription Regulation: Bioactive food components can
bind to transcription factors, affecting which genes are turned on
or off. For example, certain fatty acids interact with PPAR
(peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor) genes to influence
lipid metabolism and inflammation [53].
Epigenetic Modifications: Nutrients can influence DNA
methylation, histone modifications, and microRNA expression
without changing the underlying DNA sequence. These
epigenetic changes affect how genes are expressed and can
sometimes be passed to future generations [54].
Post-Translational Modifications: Food components can influence
how proteins are modified after synthesis, affecting their function,
location, and interactions with other molecules [55].
Metabolic Pathway Modulation: Nutrients serve as substrates or
cofactors in metabolic pathways, influencing the efficiency and
direction of these processes [56].
Key Nutrigenomic Interactions
MTHFR and Folate Metabolism
One of the most well-studied nutrigenomic interactions involves
the MTHFR gene and folate. Individuals with MTHFR variants have
altered folate metabolism, affecting:
● Homocysteine levels and cardiovascular risk
● DNA methylation and gene expression
● Neurotransmitter synthesis and mental health
● Detoxification processes
The form of folate consumed matters significantly. Those with
MTHFR mutations typically process synthetic folic acid poorly but
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