Polymorphisms in the SCD1 gene are associated with indices of stearoyl CoA desaturase activity and obesity: a prospective study.

Scope The serum fatty acid (FA) composition is influenced by dietary fat and the endogenous production of FAs. Stearoyl CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) is the rate-limiting enzyme catalyzing the synthesis of MUFAs from saturated FAs. Variations in SCD1 activity have been associated with obesity, diabetes, or inflammation. We evaluated the associations between genetic variation of the SCD1 gene, SCD1 activity, intake of oil, and obesity in a population-based prospective study in southern Spain. Methods and results We collected phenotypic, metabolic, nutritional, and genetic information. The type of dietary fat was assessed from samples of cooking oil taken from the participants’ kitchens and analyze…