Mediterranean dietary pattern and VEGF+405 G/C gene polymorphisms in patients with metabolic syndrome: An aspect of gene-nutrient interaction

Abstract

Aims To evaluate the relationship between Mediterranean dietary pattern, anthropometric and metabolic biomarkers and vascular endothelial growth factor ( VEGF) +405 G/C gene polymorphism in patient with metabolic syndrome ( Mets). Materials and methods In this study 150 patients with Mets and 50 healthy subjects were enrolled. Dietary intakes were evaluated with a semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire ( FFQ) and Mediterranean dietary quality index ( Med-DQI) was assessed. Anthropometric assessments and blood pressure measurement were performed. Biochemical assays including fasting serum glucose ( FSG), matrix metalloproteinase-3 ( MMP-3), liver enzymes and lipid profiles were also assessed. Polymorphism of +405 G/C VEGF gene was determined utilizing polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragments length polymorphism ( PCR-RFLP) method. Results Serum high density lipoprotein-cholesterol ( HDL-C) was significantly lower and low density lipoprotein cholesterol ( LDL-C), triglyceride ( TG), total cholesterol ( TC) concentrations and FSG were significantly higher in metabolic syndrome patients compared with control group ( P < 0.05). Metabolic syndrome group with high consumption of "cholesterol" had significantly upper serum TG; also high consumption of "fish" and "vegetables-fruits" was associated with a significantly lower serum LDL concentrations. In metabolic syndrome patients with CC genotype, mean score of "saturated fatty acid" subgroup was significantly higher compared with other genotypes; whereas, in healthy individuals, mean score of "fruit-vegetable" subgroup in individuals of CC and GG genotype was significantly higher ( P<0.05). Conclusion Our findings indicated a significant relationship between Mediterranean dietary quality index and both anthropometric and metabolic risk factors. We also indicated a higher "saturated fatty acid" intake in CC genotype among metabolic syndrome patients.