Regulation of serum paraoxonase activity by genetic, nutritional, and lifestyle factors in the general population.
BACKGROUND
Paraoxonase may protect lipoproteins and cell membranes from peroxidation, and alterations in the activity of this enzyme have been associated with some chronic diseases. Serum paraoxonase appears to be mainly under genetic control, but some studies suggest that environmental factors may also modulate its activity. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether diet and lifestyle affect serum paraoxonase activity.


METHODS
We studied a population-based sample of 388 individuals (194 women and 194 men; age range, 18-75 years) and assessed their daily dietary intake using a 3-day estimated food record. The variables studied included serum paraoxonase activity, paraoxonase polymorphisms at positions 55 and 192, age, gender, smoking status, physical exercise, body mass index, energy consumption, nutrient intake (total lipids, saturated fatty acids, beta-carotenes, vitamins C and E), and serum lipid concentrations.


RESULTS
Multiple linear regression analysis showed that only genetic polymorphisms, serum cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol concentrations, and cigarette smoking were significant predictors of serum paraoxonase activity. HDL-cholesterol concentrations were also related to body mass index, daily energy consumption, and saturated fatty acid intake.


CONCLUSIONS
The between-individual variability of serum paraoxonase activity is regulated mainly by genetic determinants. Although HDL-cholesterol and tobacco smoking may contribute to the modulation of this enzyme, the other nutritional and lifestyle factors do not seem to play a significant role.
Ferré
Natàlia
N
Centre de Recerca Biomèdica, Hospital Universitari de Sant Joan, 43201-Reus, Catalonia, Spain.
Camps
Jordi
J
Fernández-Ballart
Joan
J
Arija
Victoria
V
Murphy
Michelle M
MM
Ceruelo
Santiago
S
Biarnés
Elisabet
E
Vilella
Elisabet
E
Tous
Mónica
M
Joven
Jorge
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D043303:Aryldialkylphosphatase; D015992:Body Mass Index; D004032:Diet; D004435:Eating; D004950:Esterases / Q000097:blood* / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009752:Nutritional Status; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D012737:Sex Factors; D012907:Smoking
D008055:Lipids; D004950:Esterases; D043303:Aryldialkylphosphatase