ABSTRACT
The existence in the population of hyper-and hyporesponders to dietary modification and to any other therapeutic approach is a well-known phenomenon. Whereas some individuals are able to improve their plasma lipid profile or body weight using the current dietary guidelines, others are unable to gain any significant benefit. The basis for these interindividual differences are complex, and current knowledge suggests that it is partially genetic. During the last two decades, evidence of interaction between traditional lipid metabolism candidate genes, dietary components, and cardiovascular risk factors (i.e., plasma lipids and obesity-related traits) has been slowly gaining momentum. Several experimental approaches have been used for this research, including observational and interventional studies. However, the replication among studies is still limited, mostly driven by less-than-optimal experimental designs. Current studies are starting to incorporate experimental approaches (i.e., increased coverage of the genetic variation at each locus) that could provide more solid results. However, other limitations, such as small populations that limit the statistical power especially to examine higher-level interactions (gene-gene-dietbehavioral factors) have yet to be incorporated in nutrigenetic studies. Moreover, the current quality of the dietary and behavioral information adds another major
limitation, specifically for observational studies. These needs can be met through the collaboration of experts in the different fields involved, ranging from basic scientists to computational biologists and behavioral scientists. Once more solid evidence is achieved, nutrigenomics could be applied toward primary prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases in the general population and subjects at high risk.
