Tomatoes, a staple in everyone's pantry, and potatoes, a cult favorite, along with eggplants and peppers, belong to the nightshade family of vegetables. However, what's a delicious ingredient for many can be a source of discomfort for some. Experiencing symptoms like redness, itching, or digestive issues after a meal featuring these foods might point to a lesser-known but significant condition: a nightshade allergy. This comprehensive article covers everything you need to know about nightshade allergies, from the underlying causes and risk factors to the intricate genetics and effective management strategies.
Did You Know?
Genetic changes are the most common cause of food and other allergies. Using your existing DNA raw data file, you can find out which food, environmental, and drug allergies you're susceptible to. Learn more.
Nightshades are part of the Solanaceae family, consisting of 3000 flowering plants. Although some of these plants are beneficial, some can be dangerous if consumed.
For instance, belladonna, a deadly nightshade, increases heart rate and blood pressure.
Tobacco is a nightshade plant used to make cigarettes.
Yet, many nightshades, such as tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes, and bell peppers, are staple foods in various cuisines across the globe.
Nightshades are rich in potassium, iron, fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants such as anthocyanins and lycopene.
They are beneficial for heart health and cancer prevention.
However, some people exhibit adverse effects after eating nightshades.
This condition is called nightshade allergy, intolerance, or sensitivity.
Nightshades possess certain chemical compounds that may be harmful to some people.
These chemicals, called phytochemicals, help plants fight against certain foreign substances.
A phytochemical called lectin may trigger an immune reaction if undigested, resulting in autoimmunity.
Genetic variants can be the root cause of the development of a nightshade allergy.
Mutations in the BCHE gene are associated with nightshade allergy.
The BCHE gene provides instructions for making butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). This cholinergic system enzyme plays a significant role in digestion, blood pressure, heart rate regulation, and spinal cord function.
BChE is a bio-scavenger, essential for:
Low levels of BChE in the body due to mutations may not be sufficient to fight against glycoalkaloids (BChE inhibitors) in nightshades.
Eventually, a nightshade allergy can develop.
Research studies suggest the involvement of specific genes in nightshade allergy.
While nightshade allergies aren't caused by a specific gene, a group of variations in certain genes can have a cumulative effect and increase the risk of allergic reactions.
For example, the BCHE gene plays a role in inactivating the alkaloids present in the nightshade plants.
Any variation in this gene that causes lower levels of poor functioning of the BChE enzyme may result in alkaloid build-up in the body, increasing the risk of a nightshade allergy.
Nightshade allergies are unusual, so you should also consider more common allergens, such as dairy, nuts, seafood, soy, and gluten. Additionally, two factors contribute to nightshade allergies.
Nightshade allergy is mainly caused by the toxic alkaloids in them that defend the plant against molds, pests, and other pathogens.
People develop allergies to alkaloids, which trigger the immune system.
It releases immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to tackle the allergen by releasing histamine into the blood.
This results in nightshade allergy symptoms.
High concentrations of alkaloids like solanine, nicotine, and capsaicin can cause gut irritation and joint inflammation.
People with autoimmune disorders have a weakened immune system.
Weaker immune systems do not respond appropriately to the alkaloids in nightshades, allowing allergies to run rampant.
Rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are some prevalent autoimmune disorders.
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You are more likely to develop nightshade allergy if you have certain risk factors:
Nightshade allergy is more severe than nightshade intolerance.
While intolerance causes loose stools, bloating, and nausea, which are uncomfortable rather than deadly, allergies can lead to severe symptoms like potentially fatal anaphylaxis.
Initial symptoms can take up to 72 hours to appear, and they can look like:
Similar to other allergies, a doctor can identify a nightshade allergy by performing some diagnostic tests, including:
A standard food allergy treatment involves deleting foods containing the allergen. As instructed by your doctor, keep a food log to track your symptoms and any possible triggers.
Drugs to prevent allergic reactions when exposed may also be part of the treatment approach. Typical prescription drugs include:
EpiPens: Epinephrine injections stop anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can be fatal.
The simplest method to prevent food allergy symptoms is to avoid the allergens. Here are some easy swaps to common nightshade foods:
| Allergens | Alternatives |
| Tomato sauce | Pesto or Alfredo sauce |
| Tomatoes, | Beetroots, carrots, or grapes |
| Blueberries | Raspberries, strawberries or cranberries |
| Eggplants | Mushrooms |
| Bell peppers | Carrots, onions, celery, or zucchini |
| White potatoes | Sweet potato, radish, or cauliflower |
| Paprika, cayenne, chili flakes | Basil, oregano, black/white pepper |
While onions aren't part of the nightshade family, it's best to stay away from them if you have IBS since they can exacerbate the symptoms.
Interestingly, black and white peppers come from a different family of plants, not from the nightshade family. They're safe to consume if you have a nightshade allergy or intolerance.
Though chocolate isn't a nightshade, it does contain some alkaloids. Fortunately, these are easier to digest than the alkaloids in nightshades, so they shouldn't cause an allergic reaction.
Did you know that Lewy body dementia is 1.5 times more likely to manifest in males rather than females? This condition affects 1.4 million people and their families across the US. If you're wondering what Lewy bodies are, they are clumps of alpha-synuclein protein. They accumulate in the brain, leading to an increasingly severe loss of brain function. Bringing awareness and understanding to this condition can help those affected by Lewy body dementia manage it better. This article will explore the 7 stages of Lewy body dementia and explain everything you need to know about the disease.
Parkinson's patients have Lewy bodies in their brains, too. That's why people who have been diagnosed with Parkinson's can end up with Lewy body dementia.
Read on to learn about the characteristic symptoms of this disease.
Lewy body dementia limits the capability to think and process information.
The main symptoms present in Lewy body dementia but not in Alzheimer's include:
Most patients experience episodes of delirium, with blank faces and slurred speech.
These phases can last hours or even days.
Patients with Lewy body dementia (LBD) often experience visual hallucinations featuring humans or even animals.
A few patients have even reported hearing and smelling things that aren't there.
Some even say their sense of smell got worse with time.
Difficulty in movement is a common symptom of Parkinson's disease, and this is seen in LBD as well.
They can include:
Subtle signs of the loss of motor function include:
LBD affects the regulation of other organs via the nervous system.
Dysregulated organs could cause:
Understanding how this condition progresses can help afflicted people and their families manage the condition better at each step of this challenging journey.
In this stage, no symptoms are noticeable to the patient or others.
They live life with no interruptions or inconveniences.
Unseen to anyone, proteins begin accumulating in the brain, eventually leading to the formation of Lewy bodies.
Minor instances of forgetfulness begin to take place.
There are rare instances of interruption in day-to-day life and activities.
Since mild lapses in reasoning are also symptoms of aging, it is hard to diagnose at this stage.
In the third stage of the condition, the symptoms become more apparent.
The memory loss worsens, and concentration becomes more difficult for the patient.
Maintaining a schedule becomes harder and harder.
By this time, those around the patient have noticed a decline in brain function and have begun to explore treatment and care options.
The loss of memory begins to take a toll on the patient's near and dear ones. Remembering recent events and even faces becomes a chore at this stage.
Performing day-to-day tasks becomes difficult.
It is at this stage that most patients seek medical intervention and are diagnosed with dementia.
The patient starts to depend on others for bathing and dressing.
Short-term memory loss becomes significant, leading to disorientation and frustration. For now, long-term memories remain preserved.
Significant memory loss accompanies a shift in personality.
At this stage, patients need constant aid to get through all parts of their day, including eating and bathing.
Swallowing and speaking become more difficult due to weaker throat muscles.
A large number of patients lose their ability to communicate verbally.
A handful of patients are no longer able to walk by this stage.
As their physical health worsens, their caregivers focus on comfort and quality of life. The last stage of LBD ends within 1.5 to 2.5 years.
A study published in Elsevier suggests that varied genetic components could lead to LBD.
These genes are related to the working of proteins in the central nervous system.
Mutations in the SNCA and SNCB genes affect neurotransmitter production in the brain, making it harder to think and recall information.
Eventually, misshapen proteins accumulate in the brain, forming Lewy bodies.
It can be hard to diagnose LBD against other neurodegenerative disorders.
The only reliable technique available right now is an autopsy.
Thus, doctors rely on other tests to study brain function.
The one-year rule helps differentiate LBD from other subtypes.
If dementia appears within one year of Parkinson's symptoms, the patient likely has LBD.
Further research into diagnosis through studying blood and cerebrospinal fluid is ongoing.
If successful, LBD could be diagnosed earlier with more accuracy.
There are several medications available to manage the different types of symptoms experienced:
It's important to remember to consult a physician about relevant medication or therapies for your condition.
Although the average life expectancy is 5-8 years after diagnosis, some people have lived up to 20 years with the condition.
Lewy body dementia weakens throat muscles. This deterioration can lead to food or water reaching the lungs, resulting in a fatal case of pneumonia. In most cases, patients succumb to pneumonia or heart failure.
Changes in lighting at dusk can lead to confusion, restlessness, agitation, and distress in patients suffering from Lewy body dementia.
Lewy body dementia - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Diagnosing Lewy Body Dementia: For Professionals | National Institute on Aging (nih.gov)
Lewy Body Dementia: Symptoms, Stages, & Treatment (webmd.com)
Dementia with Lewy bodies - Treatment - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Lewy body dementia - PubMed (nih.gov)
Risk factors for dementia with Lewy bodies - PMC (nih.gov)
Lewy Body Dementia - ScienceDirect
Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) | Johns Hopkins Medicine
Ever worried about catching an ear infection from your child or someone around you? Ear infections, also called acute otitis media, inflames the middle section of the ear, most often in children. The good news is ear infections don't last more than a week and don't need medical intervention. However, without a good understanding of the condition or timely intervention, ear infections can worsen. This article will tell you all you need to know about ear infections and if you should worry about them being contagious.
Ear infections traditionally occur due to microbes, such as bacteria (like Streptococcus) or rhinoviruses, which are responsible for the common cold.
Often, it progresses from another ailment like the flu or an allergic reaction.
Adults exhibit more clear-cut symptoms, such as ear pain and some leakage, but understanding an infant's ear infection can be more complex.
They may show signs like:
Although infective microbes like bacteria and viruses cause ear infections, the infection itself cannot spread from person to person.
What can spread, however, is the existing ailment that led to the ear infection. Infected droplets can easily lead to a cold or the flu.
These conditions then increase the risk of ear infections.
Children are more susceptible to infection since their ears have not fully developed and drain out fluid much slower.
Generally, ear infections caused by viruses heal faster and are gone within a week.
Bacterial infections persist for up to two weeks and can require antibiotic treatment as a doctor may prescribe. They also lead to higher fevers.
Ear infections that respond to antibiotic treatments are bacterial since viruses don’t respond to antibiotics.
Ear infections may not be contagious, but you should remain responsible until they heal.
The internet can suggest thousands of popular home remedies for ear infections, but only a few are credible.
Here are a few things to avoid if you have an ear infection:
Diagnosing an ear infection is relatively easy.
First, doctors check your medical history and perform a physical exam.
Afterward, they can use two main techniques: otoscopy and tympanometry.
An otoscope is a tool that helps a doctor visualize the inside of your ear using a light source.
With a minor modification, a pneumatic otoscope releases a puff of air onto the eardrum.
If the eardrum does not vibrate normally, doctors generally suspect a fluid buildup behind it.
A tympanometer detects changes in pressure in the middle ear.
Understanding this can help doctors gauge how well the middle ear is working.
Sometimes, they can use a tuning fork for this purpose.
Many mild ear infections heal within a few days without treatment.
It may be time to see a doctor if you have:
In such cases, these treatments could help:
Remember to consult your doctor if you show any symptoms. They will guide you correctly.
You can keep ear infections at bay with a few simple strategies:
An infection of the outer ear is known as swimmer's ear or otitis externa.
Research has shown that a mutation in the FUT2 gene slightly alters the composition of the microbes in the ear.
Different microbiota in the ear may affect the chances of ear infection in specific populations worldwide.
According to a 2023 study, a small percentage of headphone users in a study reported hearing loss and ear infection issues. However, the results weren’t conclusive enough to link headphone use to ear infections.
Ear infection (middle ear) - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic
Ear Infection: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and More (healthline.com)
Middle-Ear Infection in Adults | Johns Hopkins Medicine
Ear Infection Basics | Ear Infection | CDC
Are Ear Infections Contagious? Here's What to Know (health.com)
Are Ear Infections Contagious? Causes, Treatment, and Prevention (healthline.com)
Swimmer's Ear | Johns Hopkins Medicine
Vicks for Earache: Does It Work and Should You Use It? (healthline.com)
Ear infections - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Our bodies are happy when our colons are happy. And, how do we keep them happy? Among the many health habits you could adopt, ensuring you get enough fiber tops the list. This is because a lack of fiber in your diet has been associated with a condition called diverticulitis, which occurs when small, bulging pouches develop in your colon and get infected. However, diet is not the only contributor to this condition. A family history of diverticulitis appears to increase one’s risk of developing it, raising a crucial question - is diverticulitis hereditary?
Did you know?
While your DNA can be used to learn about your roots, it can also reveal important things about your gut health. This allows you to take proactive measures for health conditions, even before the symptoms appear, thereby preventing it. You can upload your DNA data to learn 1,500+ things about your health. Learn more.
Diverticula are small bulges or pockets forming in the colon's wall.
They are usually found in the lower part of the colon, called the sigmoid colon, but they can occur anywhere along the colon.
Diverticula are thought to develop due to increased pressure in the colon caused by straining during bowel movements or a low-fiber diet that causes hard stools.
Diverticulitis happens when the diverticula becomes inflamed or infected due to bacteria.
This can happen when fecal matter or food particles get trapped in the diverticula and cause irritation or blockage.
Diverticulitis typically affects older adults, making age a significant factor in its development.
The most frequent symptom of diverticulitis is abdominal pain, usually in the lower left abdomen.
The pain may be sudden, severe, mild, and chronic. It may also radiate to the back or groin.
Other symptoms of diverticulitis may include:
Some people may experience mild or intermittent symptoms of diverticulitis before they develop a full-blown attack.
These early warning signs may include:
You should consult your doctor for further evaluation and treatment if you notice any of these signs.
Early detection and prompt treatment of medical issues can help prevent complications and lower the risk of recurrence.
While environmental factors play a significant role in the development of diverticulitis, genetic factors also contribute to its susceptibility and severity.
Research indicates that having a family member with diverticular disease increases your risk of developing the condition.
A study in Denmark analyzed over 142,000 cases of diverticular disease diagnosed in hospitals or outpatient visits.
The findings revealed that the risk of developing diverticular disease is nearly three times higher for siblings of individuals with the condition compared to the general population.
Further evidence comes from a study on twins. It was found that if one identical (monozygotic) twin had diverticular disease, the other twin had a significantly higher chance of having it as well, compared to non-identical (dizygotic) twins.
This suggests a strong genetic component in the susceptibility to diverticular disease.
Moreover, a genome-wide study involving more than 700,000 participants identified 150 genetic factors associated with diverticular disease, underscoring its heritability.
In fact, the study estimated that approximately 40% of the risk for developing diverticular disease is inherited.
These findings collectively suggest that while lifestyle and environmental factors are crucial, genetic predisposition plays a substantial role in the risk and development of diverticulitis.
Diverticulitis is inherited in a complex pattern, which means that a combination of environmental and genetic factors most likely causes it.
However, the exact pattern of inheritance requires further comprehension.
It is unclear whether diverticulitis is inherited in a dominant, recessive, or X-linked manner.
Different genes may also be involved in different cases of diverticulitis.
Researchers have discovered several genes linked to a higher chance of developing diverticulitis.
These genes involve various cellular processes, including inflammation, connective tissue formation, and gut immunity.
It is important to note that even if you have a family history of diverticulitis, it does not mean that you will automatically develop the disease.
Other factors, such as diet and lifestyle, also influence risk.
Variations or changes in several genes act together, each in its own small way, to influence the risk of diverticulitis. Some genes implicated in this condition are:
Remember, these genes alone don't guarantee diverticulitis; environmental factors play a significant role.
The cause of diverticulitis is unknown, but certain risk factors may contribute to its development, such as:
Diverticulitis is typically diagnosed when someone experiences a strong and noticeable attack with severe symptoms.
The diagnosis process can include:
Treatment for diverticulitis depends on how severe it is:
Following certain lifestyle measures can prevent the development of diverticula or reduce the risk of inflammation or infection.
These measures include:
Diverticulitis is a severe condition that can affect your quality of life and lead to complications.
By following these tips, you can prevent or manage diverticulitis and enjoy a healthy and happy colon.
Diverticulitis is when pouches form in the colon wall and become inflamed or infected, often affecting older individuals.
Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, nausea, fever, and bowel changes.
Early signs may include cramps, blood in stool, or feeling incomplete after bowel movements.
While its exact cause is unknown, factors like age, diet, obesity, smoking, and inactivity can contribute.
Studies suggest a family link to diverticulitis. Siblings of those with the condition are three times more likely to get it.
Inheritance is complex, involving genes and environment. Genes like ARHGAP15, COLQ, and FAM155A play roles.
Prevention means a high-fiber diet, hydration, exercise, and quitting smoking.
Genes matter, but lifestyle choices are vital in lowering risk.
Is Diverticulitis Hereditary? Yes, but it's a mix of genes and a way of living.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24883-diverticulosis
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/looking-out-for-diverticulitis-202108162572
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diverticulitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20371758
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0016508513000061
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7529918/
https://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms15789.pdf
Over 63,000 cases of Lyme disease were reported in 2022, according to data compiled by the CDC and state health departments. However, this number may be the tip of the iceberg, with estimates suggesting upwards of 476,000 individuals are diagnosed and treated for the disease annually within the United States. Borrelia burgdorferi, a bacterial culprit, transmits this illness primarily through the bite of infected black-legged ticks. These tiny ticks, particularly in their nymphal stage, are often hard to detect while feeding, leading to delayed identification and treatment of the disease. While common symptoms like fever, headaches, and the characteristic rash are widely recognized, Lyme disease can also cause various unusual and severe symptoms. Understanding this broader spectrum is paramount for ensuring timely diagnosis and successful treatment.
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. It spreads through bites from infected black-legged ticks, also known as deer ticks.
These tiny ticks are the main carriers, especially in their nymph stage. Their small size makes them hard to spot while feeding.
The black-legged tick culprits are found mostly in the US Northeast, West North Central, and Northwest regions. They prefer areas with grass and woods, where they can easily latch onto animals and humans.
These ticks receive Borrelia burgdorferi from infected birds or animals that they feed on. Once infected, a tick can spread the bacteria to people via its bite, resulting in Lyme disease.
Lyme disease can be an undetectable culprit. Ticks carrying the infection numb the area they bite, making detection difficult, especially for tiny nymphs.
As Dr. Christine Green (director of education at the International Lyme and Associated Disease Society) explains, this can lead to delayed recognition.
But there are clues! After a tick bite, watch for symptoms that appear within 3 to 30 days. These may include:
While these symptoms can mimic other illnesses, see a doctor if you suspect a tick bite or experience any signs for early diagnosis and treatment.
Lyme disease can cause several unusual symptoms that vary greatly between individuals.
If left untreated, it can lead to heart palpitations, vision problems, mental health issues, and nervous and sensory problems.
Lyme carditis
When Borrelia bacteria infiltrate heart tissues, they can cause Lyme carditis, a rare but serious complication with symptoms like:
Neurological symptoms
As Borrelia bacteria persist in the body, they may lead to neurological issues, such as:
Skin changes
Without treatment, Lyme disease can cause additional skin problems:
Vision changes
Lyme disease may also affect vision, resulting in:
This variety of symptoms, including some severe ones, highlights why early diagnosis and treatment are essential for Lyme disease.
After completing treatment for Lyme disease, some patient continue to experience symptoms like fatigue, pain, and aches in their muscles and joints.
These persistent symptoms, lasting over six months, are often referred to as post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS) and are sometimes called “chronic Lyme disease.”
There is no evidence that these sustained problems result from ongoing bacterial infection.
While recovery may be possible, it can take several months, during which time one’s symptoms slowly lessen.
Healthcare providers might suggest prolonged antibiotic treatment for PTLDS; however, professionals advise against this approach due to possible dangers and a lack of proven benefits.
It can be harmful to use antibiotics over an extended period of time, and they generally do not work on resolving these chronic symptoms.
Late-stage Lyme disease involves severe symptoms, such as:
A 2023 NIH study suggests sex-based differences in Lyme disease, particularly for those with persistent symptoms (lasting over 6 months after antibiotics).
While both men and women can experience Lyme disease symptoms, the study indicates the experience may differ based on biological sex.
Here's what the study found for women:
Lyme disease does not directly affect dental health; it can be considered an indirect factor.
Borrelia burgdorferi itself is not pathogenic in that it can directly injure teeth, but its colonization can induce inflammation and plenty of other issues in the mouth.
It can even cause chronic inflammation of the gums, commonly called periodontitis, which compromises the tissues and bones required to support the teeth.
Teeth loss is not a direct result of Lyme disease. However, as previously indicated, it may accelerate tooth loss through processes associated with chronic periodontitis.
Extracting teeth in people with Lyme disease requires extra caution due to several factors:
Yes, Lyme disease can affect the jaw in several ways:
When Lyme disease presents unusual symptoms, effective management and treatment become crucial for recovery.
Here are the key steps and approaches to handle such cases:
1. Early diagnosis and intervention:
2. Diagnostic tests:
3. Antibiotic treatment:
4. Managing symptoms:
5. Monitoring and follow-up:
Managing and treating unusual Lyme disease symptoms can be more successful with early diagnosis, proper antibiotic therapy, and supportive care measures.
Lyme disease typically shows a favorable response to a short course of antibiotics, with most patients achieving complete recovery. However, the disease can present a complex clinical picture.
Untreated Lyme disease can lead to prolonged symptomatology. Even after receiving appropriate antibiotic treatment, some individuals may experience symptoms that persist for reasons that remain unclear to the medical community.
These ongoing symptoms, including fatigue, pain, and cognitive difficulties, underscore the necessity for continued research and individualized patient management strategies.
Lyme disease can present itself beyond the well-known fever, headaches, and rash.
Unusual symptoms can involve various body parts, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
These unusual symptoms of Lyme disease can include heart issues like Lyme carditis with chest pain and palpitations. Neurological problems, such as Bell's palsy, increased pressure in the head, and nerve damage, are also possible. Skin changes and vision problems can also occur.
Early intervention is crucial to prevent complications, but some individuals may experience lasting symptoms even after treatment.
This shows the need for ongoing research and personalized care plans to manage unusual symptoms effectively.
https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/data-research/facts-stats/index.html
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001319.htm
https://www.healthline.com/health/malaise
https://www.health.com/bells-palsy-overview-7371993
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11586-lyme-disease
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/encephalopathy
https://www.healthline.com/health/arrhythmia
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10284166
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8995919
https://www.healthline.com/health/periodontitis
Would you believe that 1 in 3 females and 1 in 5 males over the age of 50 experience osteoporosis in their lifetime? In fact, osteoporosis is the most common cause of fractures in postmenopausal women and older men. Osteoporosis is a silent condition, which means it does not cause any signs or symptoms in its early stages. This is one of the primary reasons for its delayed diagnosis. Many people do not know they have osteoporosis until they break a bone. While many factors contribute to osteoporosis, the genetics behind it have been unclear. This article breaks down the genetic influences on bone health and explores how your genes may impact your risk of developing osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a bone condition that develops when mineral density and bone mass decrease or when the structure and strength of the bone change.
As a result, bone strength decreases, increasing the risk of fractures.
There are two types of osteoporosis (depending upon the factors that affect bone metabolism):
From 25 to 50 years of age, bone density remains relatively stable.
However, at age 50, the bone breakdown (bone resorption) is greater than bone formation.
As a result, bone loss increases.
In females, it occurs during around menopause.
The risk of osteoporosis is higher in females than males.
Since osteoporosis is a silent disease, the first sign of osteoporosis is usually a broken bone or fracture.
Bones affected by osteoporosis often become fragile and susceptible to fractures that can occur as a result of:
An overwhelming body of research suggests that genetics plays a big role in the development of osteoporosis.
A family history of the condition greatly influences one’s likelihood of developing the condition.
For example, having a sibling with low bone mineral density increases one's risk for the same by sixfold.
Genes that influence bone density and strength, levels of vitamin D and calcium, production of collagen, etc., contribute together to osteoporosis risk.
Genetics contributes to around 75% of bone mineral density.
Osteoporosis is heritable, and heritability ranges from 50 to 83%.
Osteoporosis is a complex condition involving several factors, including genetics, diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors.
To date, 70+ genetic variants have been found to be associated with osteoporosis.
Some studies have shown that mutations (abnormal changes) in the VDR gene may affect vitamin D and calcium metabolism, reducing bone density.
The collagen type 1 alpha 1 chain (COL1A1) gene gives instructions for producing type 1 collagen.
Type 1 collagen is a major component of bone.
Any abnormal changes or variations in this gene can increase the risk of osteoporosis.
It is essential to understand that having these gene mutations does not mean one will develop osteoporosis.
Other genetic variants that may contribute to the development of osteoporosis include:
Bone morphogenetic protein 2 or BMP 2 activates both osteoblasts (cells that help form new bones) and osteoclasts (cells that dissolve old and damaged bones).
Mutations in this gene can result in mixed signals that may increase the rate of bone loss than bone formation, leading to osteoporosis.
This pathway enables bone repair and maintains bone mass.
When this pathway is interrupted, bone repair is affected, weakening bone.
Few genes that may interfere with this process include- AXIN1, CTNNB1, DKK1, GPR177, JAG1, LRP4, LRP5, MEF2C, RSPO3, SFRP4, SNT16, SOST, WNT4, WNT5B, and WNT16.
This pathway is responsible for producing proteins that help activate and differentiate various types of bone cells.
Gene variants that interfere with this pathway include– NFRSF11, TNFRSF11A, and TNFRSF11B.
This is a process where bone minerals replace the cartilage structure in the bone.
Gene variants that can interfere with this include IBSP, PTHLH, RUNX2, SOX6, SOX9, SPP1, and SP7.
Yes, osteoporosis does run in families.
Certain risk factors of osteoporosis, such as age, sex, and family history, cannot be changed.
However, you can follow a healthy diet and exercise to improve your bone health.
Dietary modifications that you can make to prevent osteoporosis include:
Besides genetics, other risk factors for osteoporosis include:
Both males and females can develop osteoporosis.
However, the risk is highest among post-menopausal white and Asian women.
Diagnosis of osteoporosis usually includes a physical examination, during which the doctor checks for:
Your doctor may also order a test to measure your bone mineral density.
The most common test for measuring bone mineral density is dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA).
Here are some ways to prevent osteoporosis:
Unfortunately, osteoporosis is not reversible.
However, the good news is that lifestyle modifications like a nutrient-dense diet, weight-bearing exercises, and supplements can prevent further bone loss.
