How to search for the role of gene-environment interactions for lipids in humans.
To target the interventions to the requirements of the individuals we need to identify the genes and the alleles which show variations in response pattern. For example, a lipid-lowering diet is effective for most people, but not so for everyone. The search for genetic polymorphisms that affect the response of LDL cholesterol to diet in humans has been disappointing up till now, and is the first hurdle to take. In addition, it should be realized that the phenotype of serum lipid is not only indicated by the blood level, but is multifaceted. A complication of gene-environment interactions is that in the chain of environmental factor, intermediate phenotype, and pathogenetic process we have the possibility of genetic variability at all levels.
Kluft
Cornelis
C
Gaubius Laboratory, TNO-PG, P.O. Box 2215, 2301 CE Leiden, The Netherlands. c.kluft@pg.tno.nl
D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D018752:Diet, Fat-Restricted; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000235:genetics*; D050356:Lipid Metabolism; D008055:Lipids / Q000235:genetics*; D008967:Molecular Biology; D010641:Phenotype; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic
D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D008055:Lipids