Selected genes associated with CVD-related diseases, pathways, and nutrigenetics

Abstract

Any dysfunction or obstruction in blood circulation can lead to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is multifactorial but primarily caused by atherosclerosis. Nutrition is considered as the most significant modifiable environmental factor, with a direct influence on cardiovascular risk mediated by triggering inflammation, oxidative stress, and various physiological, molecular, and biological changes. Despite these well-established mechanisms, targeting nutrition has not led to the expected reduction in CVD mortality rates. This discrepancy is thought to be due to interindividual variability in genetic factors that modulate responses to nutritional interventions. Genetic variants can interact with specific nutrients and dietary components, influencing their effects on cardiovascular health. Advances in nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics which explore nutrient-gene interactions, have led to the development of the concept of personalized nutrition. This approach aims to prevent CVD and other diseases by tailoring dietary treatments to individual genotypes identified through genetic polymorphisms. It is suggested that life expectancy and sustainable healthy living can be enhanced by aligning dietary treatments with specific genetic profiles associated with CVD. Therefore, this review discusses genes linked to CVD and explores how gene-driven differences in dietary responses affect cardiovascular health outcomes.