Genomics and Applied Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 132-141 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/gab 134 In addition to basic metabolic differences, breed-specific genetics often play a role in predisposition to certain diseases, which can be mitigated through tailored nutrition. For instance, breeds like Golden Retrievers and Labradors are genetically predisposed to obesity and may benefit from diets lower in fat and higher in fiber to aid in weight management (Fabretti et al., 2020). Additionally, certain breeds are more likely to develop food sensitivities or allergies. For example, some Terrier breeds are more susceptible to gastrointestinal issues, which require diets formulated with easily digestible proteins and limited ingredient formulas to prevent adverse reactions. Understanding these genetic predispositions allows veterinarians and pet nutritionists to recommend diets that not only meet the general nutritional needs of the breed but also address specific health concerns, potentially increasing longevity and improving the quality of life for these animals (Rapkin et al., 2018). 3 Diet and its Interaction with the Pet Genome The interaction between diet and the genome plays a significant role in shaping the health outcomes of companion animals (Tan et al., 2022). Nutritional genomics helps us understand how different dietary components can influence gene expression, epigenetic modifications, and the overall health of pets. 3.1 Nutrient-gene interactions Nutrient-gene interactions refer to the way specific nutrients influence gene expression and how genetic variations impact an animal’s response to dietary components. These interactions are a cornerstone of nutritional genomics and help explain why individual pets may have different reactions to the same diet (Mondal and Panda, 2020). For example, certain genetic variations in the enzymes responsible for metabolizing fats and carbohydrates can lead to differences in how efficiently these nutrients are processed. Pets with specific variants in the FADS1 and FADS2 genes, which regulate fatty acid desaturation, may have varying levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids in their tissues, affecting their risk for inflammation-related diseases or cardiovascular issues (Figure 1) (Simopoulos, 2019). Similarly, variations in genes responsible for carbohydrate metabolism can influence insulin sensitivity, predisposing some pets to diabetes if fed a high-carbohydrate diet. These findings emphasize the need for personalized nutrition strategies that take into account an individual animal's genetic predispositions to optimize health outcomes. Figure 1 Synthesis pathway of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) from essential fatty acids n-6 and n-3 (Adapted from Glaser et al., 2010) Image caption: FADS2 catalyzes the Δ-6 desaturation of linoleic acid (LA) into gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) into eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA). These products are further converted by FADS1-mediated Δ-5 desaturation into arachidonic acid (AA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Polymorphisms in the FADS1 and FADS2 genes can affect the activity of these enzymes, thereby influencing the metabolism of PUFAs and ultimately affecting the concentrations of long-chain PUFAs like AA and EPA in the bloodstream (Adapted from Glaser et al., 2010)
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