Garlic Intake Influences Gene Expression In Whole Blood

Epidemiological data suggest that garlic intake is inversely associated with the progression of heart disease and cancer. A host of preclinical studies support these associations. To investigate mechanisms of garlic action in humans, we conducted a randomized crossover feeding trial in which 17 volunteers consumed a garlic‐containing meal (100 g white bread, 15 g margarine, 5 g crushed garlic) or a garlic‐free control meal (100 g white bread, 15 g margarine) after 10 days of a controlled, garlic‐free diet. Blood was collected before and 3h after test meal consumption for gene expression analysis in whole blood. Global gene expression was assessed by Illumina, followed by real‐time RT‐PCR on selected genes. Seven genes were found to be upregulated by garlic intake: AhR, ARNT, H1F1A, JUN, NFAMI, OSM, and REL. Fold‐increases in mRNA transcripts ranged from 1.6 (HIF1A) to 3.0 (NFAM1) ( P <0.05). OSM and NFAM1 expression was increased in women but not men. The biological significance of these results is likely to be multifaceted. For example, AhR is involved in xenobiotic metabolism, while OSM is a pleiotropic tumor inhibitory cytokine, and JUN and REL participate in inflammation. Supported by USDA and NCI.