Dietary Fats, Genotypes, and Amino Acid Metabolism Flashcards

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the interactions between dietary fats and specific genotypes, lipid-related genes, and the metabolic roles of various amino acids.

APOA1 gene promoter position 75

The location where a nucleotide base (A or G) determines if PUFA intake has a differential effect on HDL-cholesterol concentrations.

G/G genotype (Framingham offspring Study)

A genotype in women associated with a decrease in HDL cholesterol levels as PUFA intake increased.

A/A or G/A genotype (Framingham offspring Study)

Genotypes in women associated with an increase in HDL cholesterol levels as PUFA intake increased.

APOE gene

Provides instructions for making apolipoprotein E, which combines with lipids to form lipoproteins for packaging and carrying cholesterol through the bloodstream.

Apolipoprotein (apo) A-I

A key component of HDL produced by the liver and intestine, identified as a protective factor for CVD.

HDL Function

Responsible for the transport of cholesterol from peripheral tissues back to the liver for metabolism through interactions with enzymes, transfer proteins, and receptors.

PPARs

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors; members of the nuclear receptor supergene family playing a central role in fatty acid oxidation and extracellular lipid metabolism.

CETP gene

Encodes cholesteryl ester transfer protein, which transfers cholesteryl ester from HDL to other lipoproteins and regulates particle size; defects cause hyperalphalipoproteinemia 1 ($HALP1$).

LIPE gene (Long form)

Expressed in steroidogenic tissues such as testis, where it principally converts cholesteryl esters to free cholesterol for steroid hormone production.

LIPE gene (Short form)

Expressed in adipose tissue and heart, where it primarily hydrolyzes stored triglycerides to free fatty acids.

Leucine

The most effective amino acid in activating the mechanistic target of rapamycin ($mTor$) complex, a key regulator of cell growth.

Taurine

A conditionally essential amino acid involved in glucose homeostasis by increasing expression of genes like $Sur-1$, $Glut-2$, and $Pdx1$.

L-glutamine

Strongly upregulates calcineurin, which activates the nuclear factor of activated T cells in pancreatic $\beta$ cells to promote proliferation.

BCAAs

Branched-chain amino acids (isoleucine, leucine, and valine) that act as nutrient signals; elevated plasma levels are associated with IR and levels of $HbA1c$.

Aromatic Amino Acids

Phenylalanine and tyrosine; elevated circulating levels are linked to the development of $T2DM$ and act as indirect markers of insulin sensitivity.

Arginyl-fructose

A compound found in red ginseng that has antidiabetic effects by suppressing carbohydrate absorption and reducing postprandial blood glucose levels.