Dietary regulation of intestinal gene expression

We are becoming increasingly aware of inherited genetic abnormalities as ca uses of disease. However, alterations in gene expression can also contribut e to other disease processes. Recently it has been suggested that our envir onment may alter such genes and thus be a direct influence on disease. Diet is a potent mechanism for altering the environment of cells of most organs , particularly the gastrointestinal tract. This review addresses the influe nce of nutritional factors on intestinal gene regulation. These influences include insulin, which is not a dietary component but responds to dietary c hanges, and butyrate, a short chain fatty acid produced by normal intestina l flora. Manipulation of diet may be a means of treating intestinal disorde rs. Nutritional treatment therefore is also discussed in the light of its e ffect on gene expression.