Graduation Term

2021

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Department of Family and Consumer Sciences

Committee Chair

Jennifer Barnes

Abstract

Objective: More than 2/3 of those with kidney failure use hemodialysis as a treatment option. The purpose of this pilot study is to increase the understanding of the epigenetic changes that occur in hemodialysis patients through dietary fiber intake. Design and Methods: Gene expression through epigenetic changes of dietary fiber intake and soluble fiber intake were analyzed in this cross-sectional study. Data was collected from questionnaires and blood samples (n=20). Block Dialysis Food Frequency Questionnaire was used to calculate dietary fiber intake. Blood analysis counted the top 100 most prevalent microRNAs (miRNA). Pearson r correlation was used to determine level of significance (p-value < 0.05). Results: There was no significant relationship between BMI and fiber intake or length on dialysis (in months). There was a significant, positive relationship between dietary fiber intake and mir-886 (Pearson r = 0.68), mir-941-2 (Pearson r = 0.52), and mir-148b (Pearson r = 0.54). Soluble fiber intake and mir-886 had a significant, positive relationship (Pearson r = 0.66). There are 4 genes associated with mir-886, no genes associated with mir-941-2, and mir-148b has 19 genes strongly associated with it. Conclusion: Fiber intake affects the regulation of gene expression through altered miRNA production, thus fiber intake (epigenetic modifications) may serve as a potential treatment beneficial for hemodialysis patients despite dietary restrictions. Further research is needed to validify this research.

Access Type

Thesis-Open Access

DOI

https://doi.org/10.30707/ETD2021.20210719070603184041.26

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Nutrition Commons

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