Nutrigenetics, Nutrigenomics and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Nutrigenetics, Nutrigenomics and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
The immunochip studies have now revealed more than 160 genes in IBD susceptibility. A modified version of this gene chip that addresses some of the technical issues with the prototype is under development (pers. comm.). This should more firmly cement the amount of heritable susceptibility to IBD that is associated with SNPs. Copy number variants and other types of chromosome changes will also need to be studied. More work on control of epigenetic changes and of the microbiota will also be put in place. Such studies will increasingly rely on bioinformatics and systems biology approaches.
Once the theoretical framework is more firmly in place, it will then become possible to move to a more up-to-date approach to dietary control of IBD, as described in Figure 2. Genetic screening at birth would establish innate genetic susceptibility to the disease. Careful monitoring and rational dietary design would minimize the possibility of bacterial infections and of the development of epigenetic changes in gene expression. With strategic monitoring and attention to diet and environment, it is hoped that the incidence and progression of this disease may be substantially reduced.
Five-year View
The immunochip studies have now revealed more than 160 genes in IBD susceptibility. A modified version of this gene chip that addresses some of the technical issues with the prototype is under development (pers. comm.). This should more firmly cement the amount of heritable susceptibility to IBD that is associated with SNPs. Copy number variants and other types of chromosome changes will also need to be studied. More work on control of epigenetic changes and of the microbiota will also be put in place. Such studies will increasingly rely on bioinformatics and systems biology approaches.
Once the theoretical framework is more firmly in place, it will then become possible to move to a more up-to-date approach to dietary control of IBD, as described in Figure 2. Genetic screening at birth would establish innate genetic susceptibility to the disease. Careful monitoring and rational dietary design would minimize the possibility of bacterial infections and of the development of epigenetic changes in gene expression. With strategic monitoring and attention to diet and environment, it is hoped that the incidence and progression of this disease may be substantially reduced.
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