Fasting induces changes in peripheral blood mononuclear cell gene expression profiles related to increases in fatty acid beta-oxidation: Functional role of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are the only readily available cells in healthy humans. Various studies showed disease-characteristic gene expression patterns in PBMCs. However, little is known of nutritional effects on PBMC gene expression patterns. Fatty acids are nutrients that regulate gene expression by activating the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha). PBMCs express PPARalpha, making these cells interesting to study FA-dependent gene expression.