Diet, Genetics, and Disease: A Focus on the Middle East and North Africa Region. (29th March 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fahed, Akl C.; El-Hage-Sleiman, Abdul-Karim M.; Farhat, Theresa I.; Nemer, Georges M.
• Other Names: Takruri Hamed R. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of nutrition and metabolism. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2012-03-29
• Subjects: Nutrition -- Periodicals; Metabolism -- Periodicals; Diet in disease -- Periodicals; Metabolic Diseases; Metabolism; Nutrition Disorders; Nutritional Sciences; Diet in disease; Metabolism; Nutrition; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Periodicals; 363.8
• DOI: 10.1155/2012/109037
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-0724

Abstract

Abstract : The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region suffers a drastic change from a traditional diet to an industrialized diet. This has led to an unparalleled increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases. This review discusses the role of nutritional genomics, or the dietary signature, in these dietary and disease changes in the MENA. The diet-genetics-disease relation is discussed in detail. Selected disease categories in the MENA are discussed starting with a review of their epidemiology in the different MENA countries, followed by an examination of the known genetic factors that have been reported in the disease discussed, whether inside or outside the MENA. Several diet-genetics-disease relationships in the MENA may be contributing to the increased prevalence of civilization disorders of metabolism and micronutrient deficiencies. Future research in the field of nutritional genomics in the MENA is needed to better define these relationships.