Screening of Healthy Adults for Genetic Variations That Control Fatty Acid Processing

Healthy African American and Caucasian persons will be screened for specific differences in genes that control how fats are processed in the body. Persons with the needed genotypes will be added to a database of healthy persons who may be asked to join a larger study comparing differences in diet on lipid metabolism and inflammatory biomarkers as well as future studies. A key hypothesis for the larger study is that variations in genes involved in lipid metabolism play a role in determining levels of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs).

Inclusion criteria

• Be Caucasian or African American between 21-65 years of age
• Be healthy and free of any major illness
• Be a nonsmoker
• Have an intact gallbladder
• Have TG < 150 and blood pressure less than 130/90
• Must be willing to be re-contacted for future studies

Exclusion criteria

• Not have: myocardial infarction, vascular surgery or stroke within the past year
• Not be taking niacin, more than 100 mg aspirin/day or montelukast allergy medications
• BMI equal to or greater than 30 or less than 19
• Fasting glucose greater than 125 mg/dl
• Pregnancy