Genetic Loci Associated with Plasma Phospholipid n-3 Fatty Acids: A Meta-Analysis of Genome-Wide Association Studies from the CHARGE Consortium
2011

Genetic Factors Affecting n-3 Fatty Acids in Blood

Sample size: 8866 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Lemaitre Rozenn N., Tanaka Toshiko, Tang Weihong, Manichaikul Ani, Foy Millennia, Kabagambe Edmond K., Nettleton Jennifer A., King Irena B., Weng Lu-Chen, Bhattacharya Sayanti, Bandinelli Stefania, Bis Joshua C., Rich Stephen S., Jacobs David R. Jr., Cherubini Antonio, McKnight Barbara, Liang Shuang, Gu Xiangjun, Rice Kenneth, Laurie Cathy C., Lumley Thomas, Browning Brian L., Psaty Bruce M., Chen Yii-Der I., Friedlander Yechiel, Djousse Luc, Wu Jason H. Y., Siscovick David S., Uitterlinden André G., Arnett Donna K., Ferrucci Luigi, Fornage Myriam, Tsai Michael Y., Mozaffarian Dariush, Steffen Lyn M.

Hypothesis

How does common genetic variation influence plasma phospholipid levels of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids?

Conclusion

The study found that genetic variations in certain genes significantly influence the levels of n-3 fatty acids in the blood.

Supporting Evidence

  • The study analyzed data from five population-based cohorts.
  • Genetic variants in the FADS1 and FADS2 genes were associated with higher ALA levels.
  • The study identified a novel association of DPA with SNPs in the GCKR gene.
  • The findings suggest that genetic variation influences the conversion of ALA to longer-chain n-3 fatty acids.

Takeaway

Some people have genes that help them turn plant fats into fish fats better than others, which is important for health.

Methodology

The study conducted a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies involving 8,866 participants of European ancestry.

Limitations

The study primarily focused on participants of European ancestry, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other populations.

Participant Demographics

Participants were of European ancestry, aged 21 to 102 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pgen.1002193

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