Name and Surname: assist. prof. Saša Kenig, PhD
Links: 25525
E-Mail: sasa.kenig@fvz.upr.si

Research facility (research activity location)
University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences

Research field according to ARRS classification
Science: Medical sciences
Field: Metabolic and hormonal disorders

Summary of research topic and field

The topic will address the association of dietary types and the intakes of specific nutrients with epigenetic status. The latter is an important factor in the development of several chronic non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes type II, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases. The health parameters associated with these diseases, i.e. lipid profile, glucose status and low-grade chronic inflammation, can be regulated in a relatively short time by changing the diet. Long-term effects of certain diets, on the other hand, can be reflected in an altered epigenetic profile. These changes can be measured as differences in DNA methylation or changes in miRNA expression, two mechanisms that together control protein synthesis. Indeed, in the above diseases there is a dysregulated synthesis of some key proteins. Importantly, these changes were found to be reversible through lifestyle modification. In this study, we will determine the epigenetic status of subjects with different dietary types – omnivores, vegans, vegetarians and people on low-carbohydrate diet. DNA will be isolated from whole blood and the methylation of genes associated with the development of diabetes type II and cardiovascular disease will be determined. In addition, the intake of nutrients that are important for DNA methylation, namely methionine, choline, folate and betaine, will be analyzed. In the second phase, an intervention study will be conducted to test cause-effect relationship.