ABSTRACT
The human epigenome projects, global maps of DNA methylation and histone modifications, started to identify and interpret epigenetic patterns of all human genes. It is now emerging that epigenetic patterns are as important as genetic sequences for gene function and subsequently for physiologic and pathologic processes. In fact, epigenetic phenomena are modifiable genomic parameters that can change gene function under exogenous influence, thereby constituting a link between genetics and environment; a concept that is widely thought to play a critical role in the etiology of most human pathologies (refer to Chapter 9). Diet is one of the most important environmental factors to which we are exposed during our lifetime. It is well known that nutrients and bioactive food components found in a typical daily diet can modulate the epigenetic phenomena in our cells, thereby affecting critical gene expression. This is one mechanism by which lifestyle factors affect physiologic and pathologic processes in our body. Thus, we can speculate that a certain nutrient deficiency may induce an abnormality in the epigenetic condition, and a proper nutritional intervention program may reverse disordered epigenetic patterns.
