title: Why Are Omics Technologies Important to Understanding the Role of Nutrition in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases?
abstract: For many years, there has been confusion about the role that nutrition plays in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). It is apparent that good dietary advice for one individual may prove inappropriate for another. As with many diseases, genome-wide association studies across large collaborative groups have been important in revealing the role of genetics in IBD, with more than 200 genes associated with susceptibility to the disease. These associations provide clues to explain the differences in nutrient requirements among individuals. In addition to genes directly involved in the control of inflammation, a number of the associated genes play roles in modulating the gut microbiota. Cell line models enable the generation of hypotheses as to how various bioactive dietary components might be especially beneficial for certain genetic groups. Animal models are necessary to mimic aspects of the complex aetiology of IBD, and provide an important link between tissue culture studies and human trials. Once we are sufficiently confident of our hypotheses, we can then take modified diets to an IBD population that is stratified according to genotype. Studies in IBD patients fed a Mediterranean-style diet have been important in validating our hypotheses and as a proof-of-principle for the application of these sensitive omics technologies to aiding in the control of IBD symptoms.
authors: Discipline of Nutrition and Dietetics and Auckland Cancer Research Society, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand. l.ferguson@auckland.ac.nz.
authors: Lynnette R
authors: LR
authors: Ferguson
authors: Food Nutrition & Health Team, Food & Bio-Based Products Group, AgResearch Limited, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand. matthew.barnett@agresearch.co.nz.
authors: Matthew P G
authors: MP
authors: Barnett
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003474:Curcumin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000069196:Gastrointestinal Microbiome / Q000187:drug effects*; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D015212:Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D055432:Metabolomics / Q000379:methods; D009752:Nutritional Status; D040901:Proteomics / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D003474:Curcumin
keywords: Inflammatory bowel disease; metabolomics; microbiomics; proteomics; transcriptomics