Environmental and epigenetic regulation of postprandial lipemia

Authors: Lai, Chao Qiang; ORDOVAS, JOSE - Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging At Tufts University; Parnell, Laurence

Submitted to: Current Opinion in Lipidology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/15/2017
Publication Date: 2/1/2018
Citation: Lai, C., Ordovas, J.M., Parnell, L.D. 2018. Environmental and epigenetic regulation of postprandial lipemia. Current Opinion in Lipidology. 29(1):30-35.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Purpose of review: Postprandial lipemia (PPL), the prolonged increase in plasma triglyceride-rich lipoproteins following food consumption, is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Genetic variation, environment, and the interplay between these direct an individual's postprandial lipid response. From such interplay, inducible and reversible epigenetic changes arise. Increasing evidence suggests epigenetic variation contributes to postprandial response in lipids and CVD risk. Recent findings: Diet and exercise are central agents affecting PPL-TG, but heterogeneity of the findings warrant more and larger studies. Several epigenetic loci identified from a human intervention study account for a substantial proportion of PPL phenotype variation, but the burden to conduct an intervention study of postprandial responses likely limits translation to personalized nutrition. Summary: The impact of both DNA methylation patterns and environmental factors such as diet, exercise, sleep and medication on PPL is multifaceted. Discovery of interactions that modify the association between CpG methylation and postprandial phenotypes is unfolding.