# Interaction Between the UCP2 rs659366 Polymorphism and Dietary Capsaicin Intake in Relation to the Inflammatory State in Mexican Adults

## TL;DR

This study found that a genetic variant in the UCP2 gene interacts with capsaicin intake to influence inflammation levels in Mexican adults.

## Contribution

The study reveals a novel gene-diet interaction involving UCP2 rs659366 and capsaicin affecting inflammatory markers.

## Key findings

- The UCP2 rs659366 polymorphism interacts with capsaicin intake to influence the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR).
- Higher capsaicin intake was linked to increased NLR in individuals with the G allele of the UCP2 rs659366 polymorphism.
- The findings suggest personalized nutrition approaches may be needed for individuals with specific UCP2 genotypes.

## Abstract

Metabolic diseases such as obesity and related conditions have an inflammatory basis. Genetic and nutritional factors can influence the development of these diseases by altering the inflammatory state. This study aimed to analyse how the rs659366 (G/A) polymorphism in the UCP2 gene interacts with dietary capsaicin (CAP) consumption and affects inflammatory markers in Mexican adults. A cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted in 212 adult patients. The UCP2 rs659366 polymorphism was genotyped using an allelic discrimination assay. Dietary CAP intake was measured with a validated food frequency questionnaire. Multivariate linear regression analyses were performed for interaction analyses. The ancestral allele G accounted for 40.2% and the risk allele A accounted for 59.8% of samples. There was a significant interaction between CAP intake and the UCP2 rs659366 polymorphism for the inflammatory marker NLR (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio) (p < 0.05). Among subjects with the G allele, higher CAP intake was associated with higher NLR scores (p < 0.001). Patients with the G allele of the UCP2 rs659366 polymorphism experienced increased inflammation with higher CAP intake. This finding highlights the need for future studies in personalised nutrition and could expand knowledge about the effects of CAP on obesity and inflammation.