Diet and gene expression: delta-5 and delta-6 desaturases in healthy Chinese and European subjects.

Article Details

Citation

Xiang M, Rahman MA, Ai H, Li X, Harbige LS

Diet and gene expression: delta-5 and delta-6 desaturases in healthy Chinese and European subjects.

Ann Nutr Metab. 2006;50(6):492-8. Epub 2006 Sep 19.

PubMed ID
16988497 [ View in PubMed
]
Abstract

AIM: To compare the composition of fatty acids (FAs) in diet, and the expression of delta-6 desaturase (D6D) and delta-5 desaturase (D5D) genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) between Chinese and Europeans. METHODS: Three-day dietary records from 20 subjects from Beijing, China (n = 10) and Kent, UK (n = 10) were analysed. Expression of PBMC D6D and D5D genes of the subjects was determined using RT-PCR. RESULTS: The dietary intake of Chinese subjects contained less saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), but more essential fatty acids (EFAs) than that of Europeans. Levels of expression of PBMC D6D and D5D genes of Chinese subjects were significantly lower than those of Europeans. A significant positive correlation was found between dietary intake of total SFAs and total MUFAs and expression of PBMC D6D and D5D genes, but a significant negative correlation between dietary intake of linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (LNA) and the expression of PBMC D6D and D5D genes. CONCLUSION: Intake of high SFAs and MUFAs appears to increase expression of PBMC D6D and D5D genes, whilst high EFAs intake appears to decrease expression of PBMC D6D and D5D genes. A follow-up study of the expression of D6D and D5D genes in Chinese who live in European countries with high SFA and MUFA diets would be of interest.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drug Targets
DrugTargetKindOrganismPharmacological ActionActions
alpha-Linolenic acidFatty acid desaturase 1ProteinHumans
Yes
Ligand
Details
alpha-Linolenic acidFatty acid desaturase 2ProteinHumans
Yes
Ligand
Details