The Future of Clinical Nutrition

Question 1

Epigenetics

1–“An epigenetic trait is a stably inherited phenotype
resulting from changes in a chromosome WITHOUT
alterations in the DNA sequence.”
2– Explains how genes can be modified by the
_________
3–From dynamic interaction of multiple environmental factors
4—________ gives our genes instructions what to
do, how they should be expressed
—Imagine a genetic instruction manual!
5—Genetic expression is modulated by our DIET
6—Molecular “Switches”: Can turn a gene “on” or “off”
DNA Methylation => Regulates genes
—Methyl group attaches to DNA - shuts down a gene
—-Changes gene expression but does NOT affect the DNA sequence of the gene
— Turns OFF the Agouti gene that makes the mouse
prone to sickness and obesity
7—Histone Acetylation turns ON ‘protective’ genes
8—Genes (DNA) do not change but, the epigentics (the “tags” on our genes) do…….. AND are passed on to future generations

Answer 1

environment

Epigenome

Question 2

Toxic Exposure: Bisphenol A (BPA)

1—Bisphenol A (BPA): A compound used to make polycarbonate plastic – found in water bottles, baby bottles, tin cans & other consumer products
2—Pregnant yellow agouti mothers were fed BPA, more yellow, unhealthy babies were born than normal
—However, when BPA-exposed, pregnant yellow mice were fed methyl-rich foods, the offspring were predominantly brown
—The maternal nutrient supplementation had counteracted the negative effects of exposure
3—our health is not only determined by what we eat, but also what our parents ate
4–“Epigenetic factors play a surprisingly large
role in the disease risk that gets passed down through the generations.”
5—“Non-genetic variation acquired during the life
of an organism can be passed on to offspring—
a phenomenon known as
___________ ____________”

Answer 2

epigenetic inheritance

Question 3

Epigenetics———Throughout the Lifespan

1——Epigenetic effects occur not just in the womb, but over the full course of a human life span
2—Unlike genetic mutations, epigenetic changes are
potentially _________—A gene with a defective methylation pattern may be encouraged to reestablish a healthy pattern and continue to function

Answer 3

reversible

Question 4

Tumors were suppressed 50% by a diet containing
__________
1–Researchers showed a dramatic level of HDAC
inhibition immediately following a single serving of
broccoli sprouts, rich in sulforaphane
2–“Tumor suppressor genes can be TURNED OFF either by mutation at the genetic level, or dysregulated by
environmental factors, leading to cancer”
3—“Experiment suggest that… (dietary compounds) can
TURN ON these silenced genes, restore normal cellular
function and suppress tumor growth.”
4—-“The ability of dietary compounds to de-repress
epigenetically silenced genes in cancer cells, and to
activate these genes in normal cells, has important
implications for cancer prevention and therapy.”
5—“In a broader context, there is growing interest in….their impact on epigenetic mechanisms affecting other chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease,
neurodegeneration and aging.”
6—Patients with a history of failures at weight loss offered a nutrigenetic test screening 24 variants in 19 genes
involved in metabolism - compared to control subjects
who just received generic dietary and exercise advice.
– Nutrigenetic diet utilized was not designed as a weight loss diet; aim was to optimize nutrient content of individual’s food intake, based on current understanding of an individual’s genetic profile

Answer 4

sulforaphan