Abstract
An association has been identified between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the FADS1 (Fatty acid desaturase 1) gene and the percentage of PUFA in serum lipids. The relationship between 2 SNPs in the FADS1 gene (rs174546, rs174537) and the fatty acid composition of serum lipids in adolescents was examined.
We used DNA samples (670 children; 336 girls and 334 boys) from the Childhood Obesity Prevalence And Treatment (COPAT) project. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes in whole blood samples.
For genotype analysis, TaqMan SNP Genotyping assays (Applied Biosystems) was used. Fatty acid composition in the serum lipids was assessed using gas chromatography.
Regression was used for statistical evaluation. In both polymorphisms, minor allele T carrier had a significantly negative association with arachidonic acid and palmitic acid in both sexes.
In girls, minor allele T carriers had positive association with eicosadienoic acid. We found positive relationship between allele T carriers and dihomo-γ-linolenic acid in boys.
These results imply that these SNP in the FADS gene cluster influence the desaturase activity.