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ADIPOQ

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Adiponectin (AdipoQ) is a protein hormone which modulates numerous pathways related to fat storage and metabolism and is encoded for by the ADIPOQ gene 1. Secreted exclusively from fat cells AdipoQ modulates sugar and fat metabolism in the body by increasing insulin sensitivity and fatty acid breakdown. As such, higher levels of AdipoQ are associated with several health benefits including reduced liver and muscle fat content, reduced circulating fat, increased levels of HDL cholesterol and decreased Lp(a) levels 2.

Conversely low levels of AdipoQ are associated with increased cardiovascular risk, type 2 diabetes and obesity 3.

There is one SNP in ADIPOQ which is associated with poor health outcomes; rs17366743 or T16627C.

T16627C

Endocrine Health
rsID Number Major Allele Minor Allele Minor Allele Frequency (%) Major Amino Acid Minor Amino Acid
rs17366743 t c 2 Tyr His

Risk Description

The risk ‘C’ allele of T16627C in the ADIPOQ gene is associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes 3. Those carrying the ‘C’ allele, (the authors do not discriminate between one or two copies) are at twice the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, due to an increased circulating glucose levels.

Interestingly, the ‘C’ allele did not alter levels of AdipoQ, suggesting that the ‘C’ allele of T16627C alters AdipoQ activity. The authors describe two additional SNPs which do alter AdipoQ levels but are not associated with type 2 diabetes; rs17300539 and rs6773957 3.

Lifestyle Considerations:

Behavior Description
Low sugar, reduced calories diet

It is becoming increasingly accepted that the modern Western diet rich in sugars and high in calories is driving major increases in the occurrence of diabetes, heart disease and cancer 4,5.

However, for those already suffering from type 2 diabetes, or those at high risk of developing it low carbohydrate (sugar) and low calorie diets have shown incredible effects 7,8.

Making profound changes to diet based on a single SNP is not to be recommended. However, those carrying the risk ‘C’ allele of T16627C may consider checking their blood biochemistry to more accurately assess their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Indirect Nutrients:*

Ingredient Active Ingredient Effect
Bergamot Oil Melitidin and Brutieridin

Bergamot orange is a sour citrus fruit similar in size to an orange and is typically grown only on areas surrounding the Ionian Sea.

Bergamot oranges are frequently processed into oil for a variety of uses, including most recently positive health effects. Melitidin and brutieridin are two flavone molecules found only in Bergamot oranges which are able to reduce blood pressure 8, and also lower lipids present in the blood 9.

As such supplementation may benefit those carrying the risk ‘C’ allele of T16627C which is associated with an increased cardiovascular risk.

Nattō Nattokinase

Nattokinase is an enzyme which is extracted and purified from the Japanese food called nattō, which is made from fermented soybeans giving it a very distinct aroma.

Nattokinase is secreted by the bacteria involved in the fermentation process and has a very strong ability to break down fibrin blood clots 10. A beneficial effect on blood pressure 11, and general cardiovascular health has been described 12.

Therefore, supplementation may benefit those carrying the ‘C’ allele of T16627C which is associated with an increased cardiovascular risk.

Discuss this information with your doctor before taking any course of action.

Dr. Aaron Gardner, BSc, MRes, PhD

Dr. Aaron Gardner, BSc, MRes, PhD is a life-scientist with a strong background in genetics and medical research, and the developing fields of personalized medicine and nutrition. Read his full bio here.
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