Effect of a diet containing folate and hazelnut oil capsule on the methylation level of the ADRB3 gene, lipid profile and oxidative stress in overweight or obese women

BACKGROUND: Studies of genes that play an important role in the development of obesity are needed, especially studies focusing on genes that regulate food intake and affect nutrient metabolism. For example, the beta-3 adrenergic receptor (ADRB3) responds to noradrenaline and mediates lipolysis in adipocytes. METHODS: This was a controlled intervention study involving 40 overweight and obese adult women in which food intake, anthropometric measurements, biochemical analyses, and methylation levels of the ADRB3 gene were evaluated before and after intervention. The individuals were randomized into four groups: group 1 (G1) received 300 g of vegetables and legumes containing on average 191 μg/day of folate and 1 hazelnut oil capsule; group 2 (G2) received 300 g of vegetables and legumes containing on average 191 μg/day of folate and 1 placebo capsule; group 3 (G3) received 300 g of vegetables and legumes containing on average 90 μg/day of folate and 1 hazelnut oil capsule; and individuals in group 4 (G4) were only followed-up and maintained their regular dietary habits. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), Student’s t test and simple regression, using STATA 13 software. RESULTS: In the total sample, after the intervention, the women classified as overweight and obese did not present weight loss, and there was a reduction in the methylation levels of the ADRB3 gene and malondialdehyde, as well as an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and total antioxidant capacity. CONCLUSIONS: The beneficial effect of the intake of a hazelnut capsule on the methylation levels of the ADRB3 gene was demonstrated for the first time. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT 02846025