The association of fatty acid desaturase gene polymorphisms on long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid composition in Indonesian infants

Abstract

BackgroundAdequate availability of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) is important for human health from pregnancy to adulthood. Previous studies on fatty acid desaturase (FADS) gene single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been performed predominantly in Western populations and showed that FADS SNPs had a marked impact on LC-PUFA composition in blood and tissues.ObjectivesWe aimed to investigate the influence of fetal FADS genotypes on LC-PUFA composition in umbilical artery plasma lipids in Indonesian infants.DesignWe performed a cross-sectional study to assess for these associations.ResultsA total of 12 cord plasma n–6 (ω-6) and n–3 (ω-3) fatty acids were analyzed for associations with 18 FADS gene cluster SNPs from 390 women with single parturition from the Indonesian Prospective Study of Atopic Dermatitis in Infants (ISADI). Fetal FADS genotypes influenced cord plasma LC-PUFA composition, but, in contrast to previous studies from Western populations, the quantitatively predominant SNPs were associated with lower LC-PUFA content.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this study was the first in South East Asia on FADS genotypes and arterial cord blood fatty acids to show an association between fetal LC-PUFA composition and fetal FADS SNPs. The FADS genotype distribution differs markedly between different geographical populations. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02401178.

Should formula for infants provide arachidonic acid along with DHA? A position paper of the European Academy of Paediatrics and the Child Health Foundation

“…FADS polymorphisms show large effect sizes on plasma and tissue levels of ARA and other n-6 PUFA, whereas there are only small and in most studies non-significant effects on DHA and other n-3 PUFA (39). Infants with genetic FADS variants predicting a low activity of the delta-5 and delta-6 desaturating enzymes comprise about one quarter of the infant population in Europe, but about two thirds to three quarters of infants in Asia and Latin America (40). In these infants with genetically determined low desaturase activity, ARA synthesis is ineffectice, therefore they develop particularly low plasma ARA levels without a dietary supply of preformed ARA (41).…”

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in PEMT and MTHFR Genes are Associated with Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acid Levels in the Red Blood Cells of Children with Obesity

“…Several genes may influence PUFAs’ status in the body. In PUFAs’ endogenous synthesis, the fatty acid desaturase (FADS) gene cluster (controlling the desaturation) and genes controlling the elongation (ELOVL genes) [4] are involved; variations in these genes impact PUFA levels in humans, including children [5]. Additionally, genetic variations in genes involved in the synthesis of phospholipids and one-carbon metabolism may further impact PUFAs’ status.…”

Arachidonic Acid in Human Milk

“…As SNPs differ among genetically different populations, it is critical to assess ARA and DHA dietary needs in light of their genetic polymorphism. Tanjung and colleagues [87] reported the similarity of the FADS1-3 SNP distribution patterns in an Indonesian and a previously studied Mexican population [88] are noteworthy, as both differed from European populations. Both the Indonesian and the Mexican populations showed the minor alleles to be associated with high levels of LC-PUFA synthesis, whereas the major genotypes were associated with low levels of LC-PUFA synthesis.…”