The association between genetic variation and preprandial and postprandial digestive responses in healthy young men: A pilot study

Abstract

Abstract Background An elevated postprandial glycaemic and related physiological response is associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk. Several factors, including genetics, may influence interpersonal differences in preprandial baseline markers and postprandial meal responses. This study examined the association between genetic variation and physiological outcomes during the preprandial and postprandial digestive responses in thirty healthy young men. Methods In this experimental study, thirty healthy men aged 20–34 consumed a standardised breakfast meal. Blood samples were collected before the meal and hourly for 4 hours after the meal to assess lipids and fatty acids (saturated and unsaturated fat, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein and triglycerides), nutrients (vitamin D, iron and zinc), glucose and insulin. Participants’ weight and height were collected to determine their body mass index (BMI). An online visual analogue 100-point scale was used to assess appetite changes upon arrival, immediately following meal consumption, 30 minutes after and hourly for 4 hours. Buccal swabs were collected and assessed for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Data were analysed using multiple regression analysis. Results The insulin-receptor substrate 1 gene (IRS1) polymorphism rs2943641 significantly predicted elevated fasting insulin levels (R2 = 0.639, F (3,26) = 15.34, β = 6.376, P = < 0.0001). The mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 gene (UCP1) polymorphism rs1800592 and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ2 gene (PPARγ2) polymorphism rs1801282 significantly predicted participants’ BMI (R2 = 0.261, F (2,27) = 4.759, β = -2.764, P = 0.007 and R2 = 0.200, F (2,27) = 3.371, β = 3.291, P = 0.024 respectively). The remaining SNPs did not appear to associate with our cohort’s related physiological or nutrient outcome. Conclusions According to the finding of this exploratory study, three SNPs significantly predicted participants’ fasting insulin levels and BMI.