Find in Library

Eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids have been reported to have a variety of beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease risk factors. However, a large inter-individual variability in the plasma lipid response to an omega-3 (<em>n</em>-3) polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation is observed in different studies. Genetic variations may influence plasma lipid responsiveness. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of a supplementation with <em>n</em>-3 PUFA on the plasma lipid profile in relation to the presence of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the fatty acid desaturase (<em>FADS</em>) gene cluster. A total of 208 subjects from Quebec City area were supplemented with 3 g/day of <em>n</em>-3 PUFA, during six weeks. In a statistical model including the effect of the genotype, the supplementation and the genotype by supplementation interaction, SNP rs174546 was significantly associated (<em>p</em> = 0.02) with plasma triglyceride (TG) levels, pre- and post-supplementation. The <em>n</em>-3 supplementation had an independent effect on plasma TG levels and no significant genotype by supplementation interaction effects were observed. In summary, our data support the notion that the <em>FADS </em>gene cluster is a major determinant of plasma TG levels. SNP rs174546 may be an important SNP associated with plasma TG levels and <em>FADS</em>1 gene expression independently of a nutritional intervention with <em>n</em>-3 PUFA.