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Have you ever wondered why some people have blue eyes while others have brown? Or why some folks are more likely to get certain diseases? It's all about our genes, the instructions passed down from our parents, making us who we are. But not all genes are the same. Some have tiny differences, called genetic variants, in their code. These variants can change how a gene works and affect our appearance and health. Read on to explore genotyping, a way to find these genetic variants in an individual or a population. We will cover the definition and process of genotyping, its potential applications, and future implications for health and research.
Genetic ancestry tests are becoming increasingly popular. While your DNA can be used to learn about your roots, did you know that it can also reveal important things about your health risks and wellness aspects? 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.
Genetic variants are differences in the DNA code of genes or chromosomes. They are what make every organism unique.
For example, they can cause differences in facial features, hair color and texture, body shape, and other physical traits.
Even identical twins have some key differences in traits due to highly subtle variations in their DNA.
Genetic variants can occur naturally during DNA copying or repairs or due to radiation or chemicals. Some come from our parents, while others occur in our lifetime.
People with the same trait have the same allele or version, of a gene.
For example, people with blue eyes share the same allele for eye color, while those with brown or hazel eyes have different alleles.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs, are common variations in our DNA.
Think of DNA as a long chain of tiny building blocks called nucleotides. Sometimes, one of these building blocks differs in a person's DNA.
For example, it might replace the nucleotide thymine (T) or cytosine (C). These differences, or SNPs, happen naturally in our DNA.
On average, there's about one SNP in every 1,000 building blocks. This means there are around 4 to 5 million SNPs in a person's DNA.
This variation should be present in at least 1 percent of the population to be called a SNP. Scientists have found over 600 million of these SNPs in people worldwide.
Most of these SNPs are usually found in the spaces between our genes. They act like signposts, helping scientists find genes related to diseases.
Sometimes, SNPs are found within or close to a gene, which can affect how that gene works, possibly playing a role in diseases.
Most SNPs don't impact our health or development at all. But some of them are crucial in understanding our health.
SNPs can tell us how a person might respond to certain medications, how susceptible they are to toxins, and their risk of getting certain diseases.
They can also help track how these genetic differences are passed down in families.
Scientists continually study SNPs to find links between them and complex diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Genotyping is the scientific procedure of identifying variations or dissimilarities in an individual's genetic makeup, also known as the genotype.
It involves analyzing an individual's DNA sequence and comparing it to another individual's DNA sequence or a reference DNA sequence.
Genotyping can reveal an individual's ancestry, traits, health risks, drug responses, etc.
Genotyping is used in a wide range of applications, including:
SNP genotyping focuses explicitly on identifying and analyzing individual genetic variations (SNPs) in DNA to study their links to traits, diseases, and other genetic factors.
Also Read: How Accurate Are Home DNA Tests
Genotyping can be performed using a variety of technologies. Here are some commonly used ones:
The technology depends on the sample type, the number of gene variations that need checking, and the available budget.
Genotyping can help assess one's risk of developing certain diseases by recognizing genetic variations linked to them.
For example:
Nonetheless, relying alone on genotyping is insufficient for determining disease risk since numerous additional factors play a role, including:
Hence, it is advisable to combine genotyping with additional sources of information.
These sources include family background, medical history, clinical examinations, and biomarkers, which can provide a more precise and comprehensive risk assessment.
Variations detected from genotyping can be associated with specific traits in several ways.
One common method is a genome-wide association study (GWAS), where they compare the genes of many people with a trait to those without it. This reveals genetic differences linked to the trait.
Another way is through linkage studies, where they check if a genetic marker and trait are often passed down together in families. If they do, it suggests a nearby gene affects the trait.
Once these genetic links are found, researchers determine how they impact traits. They might see how genes are used or test them in animals.
Remember, the connection between genes and traits is complicated. Multiple genes and environmental factors influence traits. Additionally, some genetic variations may have different effects in different people.
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The future of genotyping holds remarkable implications and advancements that will significantly impact various aspects of our lives:
While the future of genotyping is promising, it's essential to recognize that ethical and social concerns accompany these advancements.
Privacy, data security, and discrimination issues must be addressed through ethical guidelines and regulations.
These measures are essential to ensure the responsible and fair use of genotyping technologies for the benefit of all, including equitable access to genotyping services.
Did You Know?
Your DNA Influences If You Will Ever Participate in Genetic Studies
Genotyping has some limitations and risks that one should consider before getting tested.
Here are some pros and cons of genotyping that help you make an informed choice.
Pros:
Cons:
Genotyping is about understanding genetic variations in DNA.
Genetic variants are what make each person unique, influencing traits and health.
One type of variation, Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms, is common and can affect health.
Genotyping is the process of finding these variations by analyzing DNA. It has various uses, like medical diagnoses, solving crimes, and improving crops.
But, it's essential to combine it with other information for accurate health assessments.
The future of genotyping looks promising with more precise methods, affordability, and new applications.
It will enhance disease diagnosis, personalized medicine, and agriculture.
However, ethical concerns, like privacy and discrimination, must be addressed.
When considering genotyping, carefully assess the pros (ancestry and health insights) and cons (surprising data, limited health view, privacy, and ethics).
https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/genomicresearch/snp/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37026777/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3512287/
https://link.springer.com/protocol/10.1385/1-59259-840-4:399
https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Genome-Wide-Association-Studies
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3267991/
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-disease-genetics-fact-sheet
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/genetics/brca-fact-sheet
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/cystic-fibrosis/causes
Have you ever caught yourself and your brother reaching for the same snack, noticed that your sister's laugh echoes yours, or why you both can’t stand cilantro? It's no coincidence; these traits may well be written into your DNA. Siblings share a significant amount of their genetic material, which often accounts for those shared quirks and preferences. But just "how much DNA do siblings share?" is the question we're unpacking in this article. Read on to learn more about the significance behind sharing DNA.
Genetic ancestry tests are becoming increasingly popular. While your DNA can be used to learn about your roots, did you know that it can also reveal important things about your health risks and wellness aspects? 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.
Genetic code is a set of rules that cells use to translate genetic information from DNA or RNA into proteins.
It is a sequence of nucleotides present in the DNA or RNA.
The nucleotide consists of a sugar molecule, a phosphate group, and a nitrogen-containing base.
In DNA, the bases are adenine(A), guanine(G), cytosine(C), and thymine(T).
Each genetic code uses these four nucleotides to spell three-letter codons in various ways.
These codons specify which amino acid is needed at each position within a protein.
Siblings can be either full siblings or half siblings.
Full siblings share the same biological parents.
Maternal half-siblings share the same mother, while paternal half-siblings share the same father.
Two individuals share the same DNA they inherited from their recent ancestors.
Testing how much DNA two individuals share can reveal if they are related.
You will share longer stretches of DNA with your relative than a non-relative.
If you share at least one continuous region of matching SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) longer than the threshold of 7 centimorgan, you could be relatives.
Distant relatives are less likely to be detected using this method, as they share shorter stretches of DNA segments.
How much DNA siblings share depends on their relationship with each other.
It also depends on whether they have one or both parents in common.
It can be anywhere from 25% to 50%.
Siblings DNA tests can determine whether two people are full or half siblings.
Siblings inherit 50% of their DNA from each parent.
Half of the siblings share 25% DNA.
50% of each half-sibling's DNA comes from the shared parent.
They inherit half of the same DNA from that shared parent.
DNA is organized into chromosomes.
Humans have 46 chromosomes, of which 23 are from their mother's side and the rest from their father's.
So, parents and children share 50% of their DNA.
Full siblings often don't share 100 percent of the same DNA.
It often needs to be clarified for people who use popular genetic testing kits like those made by AncetryDNA or 23andMe.
It is due to a process called genetic recombination.
It is a phenomenon where the body cuts the number of chromosomes in half when creating eggs or sperm.
Of the 46 human chromosomes, sperms and eggs carry only 23.
Due to this genetic trimming, cell chromosomes exchange genetic material before forming an egg or a sperm cell.
Each egg and sperm cell has its unique combination of genes.
Thus, both siblings do not inherit the same 50% from each parent, making them similar but not identical.
Identical twins are also called monozygotic twins.
They develop when one fertilized egg splits into two, whereas fraternal twins develop when two eggs are fertilized by two different sperms simultaneously.
Theoretically, identical twins share 100% of the same DNA, while fraternal twins, just like siblings, share 50%.
However, genetic mutations can still occur, and a small number of identical twins may not share the entire 100% DNA.
You are almost undoubtedly full siblings even if you share only 38% DNA with your sibling.
Here, 38% is equivalent to 50%.
There are two different ways to count the DNA shared by two people, which leads to this variation.
There are two ways to tally the regions of DNA called "fully identical" by the DNA testing companies.
The second method is more popular.
Hence, in this case, 38% is equivalent to 50%.
Determining how much DNA siblings share is essential for several practical reasons.
It can help solve paternity disputes and child custody cases.
It can also be helpful for organ transplants, where determining a sibling becomes essential when choosing a donor.
When siblings take a DNA test, the result is usually similar.
Surprisingly, two siblings from the same family and with the same parents can have vastly different ethnicity results.
Many factors can affect genealogical ethnicity.
DNA mutates over time and makes copies of itself.
Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are tiny portions of DNA that remain unidentical when copied.
These SNPs can determine family lineage and genealogy.
For example, if you have an SNP that only appears in Egyptians, the odds are that you might be an Egyptian relative.
An exciting consequence is that you and your siblings can show different relative matches.
Because the DNA does not exactly match with your sibling, the relatives you are matched with may be different as well.
Legal sibling DNA testing results may be used to solve child custody disputes.
It can also be used to establish the parenthood of an individual in court cases such as child support and social security.
Such a DNA test must be conducted under a proper "chain of custody."
It simply means that the sample must be collected in front of the judge or a representative appointed by the court.
A sibling DNA test determines the amount of shared DNA between two people.
It can determine whether two people have one or both familiar parents or neither mother nor father in common.
Unlike a paternity test, sibling testing does not provide a genetic profile that matches at every step.
In this test, a siblingship index is calculated.
A siblingship index value of less than 1.00 indicates that two people are unrelated.
While a value above 1.00 indicates that two people might be whole or half-siblings.
The sample needed for a sibling DNA test can be collected using an oral swab.
The test results usually arrive within 7-10 working days.
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Understanding how much DNA siblings share has always been exciting and valuable.
Siblings share similar but not identical DNA due to a phenomenon called recombination.
DNA shares between half and full siblings can also differ widely.
Understanding how much DNA siblings share can help solve paternity and child custody cases.
It can help understand family lineage better.
It can also help in determining a possible donor for an organ transplant.
https://atlasbiomed.com/blog/do-siblings-have-the-same-dna-the-facts-on-family-genetics/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1955016/
https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/identical-twins
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6875762/
Collagen is one of the most popular supplements today, but does it affect your body weight? Some people claim collagen does help you lose weight, while others worry it might make you gain weight. What is the truth behind these claims? Read on to explore the science behind collagen and its impact on your weight. We will also discuss collagen's benefits and side effects and whether you need collagen supplements.
Genetic ancestry tests are becoming increasingly popular. While your DNA can be used to learn about your roots, did you know that it can also reveal important things about your health risks and wellness aspects? 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.
Collagen is the most extensively present protein in the human body. It is a major component of connective tissues, including the skin, bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.
Collagen provides structure, strength, and elasticity to these tissues. It constitutes approximately 30% of the protein in the human body.
Collagen comprises three polypeptide chains that twist together to form a triple helix structure, providing strength and resilience. These chains contain essential amino acids, such as glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline.
Collagen does several important things in the body, including:
Collagen has many benefits for your health and appearance, but here are the 3 most notable ones:
Collagen supplements are products that contain collagen derived from animal sources, such as:
They are available in various forms, including powders, capsules, liquids, and gummies. You can take them by mouth or apply them directly to your skin.
Collagen supplements are used for a variety of reasons, but they are most commonly taken by:
Collagen supplements are generally safe for the majority of individuals. However, it is always a good idea to consult your doctor before starting any new supplement.
A common worry regarding collagen supplements is whether they can lead to weight gain.
The simple answer is no. Collagen does not cause weight gain. It is a type of protein, and proteins are not stored in the body as fat.
Some people may experience bloating or gas after taking collagen supplements. This is usually due to the type or quality of the collagen supplement or the way your digestive system processes it. To avoid this side effect, you should:
In a scientific study, researchers explored how collagen, gelatin, and collagen peptides interact with water. They used specialized equipment to understand this phenomenon.
Their findings revealed that collagen possesses the highest water retention capacity, with gelatin coming next and collagen peptides having the least water-holding ability.
Under around 60% humidity, collagen retained 22% of its weight as water, while gelatin held 14%, and peptides retained only 9%.
All three substances mainly attracted water molecules with longer hydrogen bonds, indicating effective water retention.
Furthermore, collagen exhibited a stronger interaction with water than gelatin and peptides.
It bonded more firmly with specific collagen components, such as aliphatic CH2, CH3, amides, COO-, and C-O.
The study also suggested that water molecules were attracted to the polar C-O bonds in collagen fibrils comprising the collagen structure.
These fibrils contain sugars that act as links, and water molecules also interact with the aliphatic CH side chains on the surface of these fibrils.
However, it shows how collagen's exceptional water retention properties and robust interaction with various collagen components make it an effective water retainer.
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Contrary to the myth that collagen can make you gain weight, it helps you lose weight by promoting satiety, reducing fat accumulation, and speeding up metabolism.
Collagen can help you feel fuller for longer and reduce your appetite and cravings.
This is because collagen, rich in protein, suppresses hunger hormones (ghrelin) and stimulates satiety hormones (cholecystokinin and glucagon-like peptide-1).
Reducing your calorie intake can create a deficit essential for losing weight.
Some studies suggest that collagen may help reduce the development and accumulation of fat cells.
A 2019 research on collagen from skatefish indicated a potential human body fat reduction.
An animal study published in 2016 found that hydrolysate (collagen peptides) can reduce fat cell size and weight gain.
It's uncertain if collagen speeds up metabolism, but there are indications it might:
Besides helping with weight loss, collagen has many other benefits for your health and appearance, such as:
Collagen can cause side effects ranging from common and mild to severe. Here's a breakdown of these side effects:
Common Side Effects:
Severe Side Effects:
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Collagen supplements are not essential for everyone. You can obtain enough collagen from protein-rich foods like meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy or collagen-containing options like bone broth and gelatin.
Boosting your body's natural collagen production is also possible by including foods rich in vitamin C (citrus fruits), vitamin A (carrots), and zinc (oysters) in your diet.
Collagen supplements can benefit those with collagen deficiencies or conditions affecting collagen synthesis, including osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and skin aging.
However, the evidence regarding the effectiveness of collagen supplements varies, and additional research is required to confirm their safety and advantages.
If you are considering taking collagen supplements, it's advisable to consult with your doctor first.
Collagen does not cause weight gain. In fact, it helps in weight loss by promoting feelings of fullness, reducing fat accumulation, and speeding up metabolism.
Collagen offers a range of other benefits, including improving gut health, supporting brain function, and enhancing heart health.
While some side effects can be associated with collagen supplements, they are generally safe for most people.
Remember that collagen supplements are unnecessary for everyone, as you can obtain sufficient collagen from a balanced diet.
If you are thinking of taking collagen supplements, it is advisable to consult with your doctor beforehand.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23089-collagen
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30681787/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8521576/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8620403/
https://www.webmd.com/beauty/vegan-collagen-what-to-know
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32622049/
https://www.healthline.com/health/diet-and-weight-loss/collagen-for-weight-loss
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6471368/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5118756/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/collagen-benefits
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120305081419.htm
https://www.verywellhealth.com/collagen-supplements-for-skin-89940
While many quickly point to tight shoes as culprits for bunions, the backstory might be more rooted in our genes than our wardrobe choices. Much like inheriting specific facial features or body types from our parents, our feet's shape and structure—down to conditions like bunions—might also be a family legacy. This article delves deep into bunions and aims to answer the question, "are bunions genetic?" while exploring how hereditary factors combine with external influences in shaping our feet's health and appearance.
Genetic ancestry tests are becoming increasingly popular. While your DNA can be used to learn about your roots, did you know that it can also reveal important things about your health risks and wellness aspects? 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.
Bunions are bony bumps on the side of the foot at the base of the big toe.
They are also called hallux valgus.
Bunions can exert pressure on the joint and move the big toe out of place.
Bunions can cause foot pain, stiffness, and swelling.
If left untreated, they can get worse over time.
A small bump at the base of the big toe is common.
It could be a part of the average foot shape.
Bunions themselves are also reasonably common.
They are reported in 23 percent of people aged between 18 and 65 and 36 percent of people older than that.
Some people feel bunions are harmless and don't need treatment.
However, bunions are a symptom of a progressive bone disorder and can cause long-term problems if left untreated.
Bunions can occur at any age.
However, they are more common as you get older.
People start to notice bunions, usually in their 20s or 30s.
However, children as young as 4 or 5 can also develop bunions.
Rarely children may be born with bunions, called congenital hallux vagus.
The earlier the onset, the more severe the problem.
A bunion looks like a bulging bump on the outside of the base of the big toe.
It might be accompanied by swelling and redness around the big toe joint.
The exact cause of developing bunions is not known.
However, multiple factors could contribute to it.
Bunions are genetic, although they don't have a clear inheritance pattern.
Many affected individuals have multiple family members affected by bunions.
The risk of developing bunions is higher for those with first-degree relatives affected by the condition, such as a parent or a sibling.
Bunions need a clear pattern of inheritance.
You can inherit it from either of your parents.
You also have a risk of having if your siblings have bunions.
Surprisingly, some people will never have bunions, even if it runs in their families.
Also Check Out: How To Download 23andMe DNA Data?
There are no specific genes associated with bunions.
Some foot shapes and conditions are associated with an increased risk of developing bunions.
Hypermobility is a genetic condition where the ligaments are loose and cannot hold the metatarsal in place.
A tight Achilles tendon is also a genetic condition and a risk factor for bunions.
Your genes increase the risk of you getting bunions.
However, it does not mean that you will get them.
Sometimes, you might not get them even if you have them in your family.
Likewise, you can get them even though no one in your family has the condition.
If you risk developing bunions, consider monitoring your feet and wearing comfortable footwear.
Even if you get them, you can prevent it from worsening.
Children are rarely born with bunions.
However, a person can be born with an abnormal alignment of bones, which can cause bunions later in life.
Thus, bunions are not precisely a congenital disability.
Bunion is a genetic condition and runs in families.
People with a parent or sibling with bunions are more likely to develop bunions over time.
Women are more likely to have bunions than men.
Pregnancy and menopause can worsen bunions.
Bunion is a common condition and can be managed with treatment.
Treatment options include management techniques and surgery.
Even if you have a foot shape that can potentially lead to developing bunions, you can still prevent it from setting.
Treatment options for bunions include conservative measures and surgery.
Bunions can be managed by:
Bunions don't heal on their own.
However, supportive treatment can help alleviate pain and relieve symptoms.
Non-surgical methods can also prevent bunions from worsening.
However, surgery is required if you want to cure bunions completely.
Exercising can help with bunions.
Five critical muscles in the leg help support body weight and foot movement.
When strengthened, these muscles, 3 in the foot and 2 in the calf can help reduce bunion-rated pain.
Simple exercises like calf raises and picking up small objects with your toes will help strengthen these muscles and prevent bunions.
Bunions are a bump that forms at the base of the big toe.
It is a common condition that usually affects adults.
If left untreated, it can worsen over time and lead to pain and mobility issues.
Bunions are genetic and run in families.
Some diseases like polio can also be a risk factor for developing bunions.
Wearing comfortable footwear and exercising the feet can help manage bunion pain.
If the condition is severe, you can also opt for surgery.
https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/bunion/#inheritance
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513134/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513134/
Have you taken a test with 23andMe? Well, you just have found a gold mine! Inside your 23andMe DNA Raw Data, you have 700,000+ variants that can be used to learn a world about your health, including your genetic risk for autism.
Before we jump into how you can use your 23andMe data to learn this information, let's first learn a bit about autism.
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders that are characterized by language, communication, social, and behavioral problems. The severity of these problems varies in different individuals and primarily consists of three separate conditions:
According to a report released in 2012, ASD is quite common and affects 1 in every 54 boys and 1 in every 68 children.
ASD is 4-5 times more common in boys than in girls and affects all races and ethnicity.
Studies so far have not established the etiology of ASD. However, it is suggested that ASD could be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
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The early signs of ASD or its constituent conditions are often mild and vary from person to person.
One of the first signs that appear is in infants.
Generally, infants are very playful, enthusiastic, full of energy, and very curious about what is happening around them. However, a child with ASD would not be that curious about surrounding occurrences.
A few early symptoms seen in infants and children include minimal reactions, slow development of language and communication, the slow movement of eyes, lack of responsiveness, lack of interest in communication, excessive temper and tantrums, obsessive habits, repetitive actions, etc.
Whenever a child is taken to the pediatrician for routine checkups, they check for different signs to detect any form of ASD.
In case parents doubt their child, they can request to be referred to a genetic counselor or ask the specialist to perform certain preliminary and genetic tests to confirm the same.
It has been said time and again that ASD has strong genetic roots, but nothing has been conclusively ever proved.
But, since the genetic link of ASD has not been disproved, it is being used in a large number of patients to detect ASD and its associated conditions.
You may also be interested in Best DNA Raw Data Analysis Tools.
When talking about genetic testing for ASD, we must first understand that the causes of ASD are heterogeneous, which means that the roots are multifactorial. One of the many links is genetics. A large-scale study claimed that there were about 18 genetic variations that may be associated with an increased risk of developing the disorder.
Even though the genetic testing for ASD continues, the results we have obtained so far help divide autism and ASD into different categories, leading to each condition and disorder being diagnosed and managed differently.
Once all these findings are integrated into a more organized format, each patient will be able to receive a personalized diagnosis and treatment based on the variations seen in him/her.
There are many genetic causes of autism, including chromosomal abnormalities and gene deletions. But it is also relieving to know that scientists are confident to devise medications against 80% of these 61 genetic mutations.
Some genetic mutations coexisted with other comorbidities and conditions like seizures and diabetes. It is also interesting to note that these genetic variations always occur along with other connected genetic mutations and not in isolation.
It must be made clear that genetic testing does not diagnose autism in an individual. These tests only help in identifying any genetic or chromosomal changes.
Also, there is no single test that can point out an increased risk of ASD. So then, why should one advise a genetic test for ASD?
Genetic testing for Autism Spectrum Disorder is commonly done in two tiers.
Tier I includes:
Tier II tests include molecular testing. A genetic test for ASD children can help parents determine what type of treatments their child can benefit from and, more importantly, throw some light on why a child developed ASD in the first place.
The chromosome microarray analysis and Fragile X syndrome tests are done more commonly to detect ASD. There are, however, some myths around genetic testing for ASD and autism.
Step 1
Login To Your 23andMe Account
Step 2
Download your 23andMe DNA Raw Data
Step 3
Head over to Xcode Life's report page, and add the "Gene Health" report to cart.
Step 4 (a secret tip)
At checkout, you'll be able to upgrade to the Health Pack at 41% OFF. So, if you see fit, feel free to upgrade your order.
Step 5
Complete the order, and you'll be taken to your account dashboard, where you can upload your DNA data.
Step 6
Sit back and relax while you receive your report within 24 hours.
Note:
Xcode Life's reports are only for informational purposes and do not diagnose any condition. The reports are not to be treated as clinical findings. Please take the help of your medical practitioner to interpret the reports.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a huge umbrella under which multiple conditions manifest various symptoms. We also know that these occur due to many genetic variations in various genes that result in ASD and autism. The disorder spectrum is still under research, and we can only hope that shortly genetic testing for ASD becomes more conclusive and leads to better prognosis and quality of life for the children.
Find out which genetic variants of autism spectrum you or your child have in Xcode Life's Gene Health report.
Are you looking for a natural solution to improve your health and wellness? Luteolin supplements have been gaining popularity as a promising alternative to traditional medications. But what exactly is luteolin, how should you use it, and what are its benefits and side effects? This article delves into the world of luteolin supplements to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Did You Know? Genes are important influencers of your health and wellness. Learn how your DNA raw data can provide insights into thousands of traits. Learn more.
Luteolin is a flavonoid present in several fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
It is a yellow crystalline chemical in its pure form.
Did you know: Luteolin was used as a source of yellow dye way back in the first millennia?
Luteolin protects plants from microbial infections and other threats from the environment.
It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Due to these properties, it prevents oxidative cellular damage, strengthens the immune system, reduces inflammation, and helps fight cancer.
Inflammation is the body’s natural defense against harmful stimuli like bacteria, viruses, and chemicals.
Inflammation can be of two types:
Chronic inflammation leads to the development of various diseases like arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiac diseases, and others.
During the inflammatory process, macrophages (a type of white blood cells) activate different molecules, including cytokines, tumor necrosis factors, interleukins, and free radicals.
Cytokines are small protein molecules that regulate the immune response in the body.
Luteolin suppresses the production of cytokines and the pathways that stimulate a cellular response, leading to inflammation.
By doing so, luteolin can suppress the number of activated macrophages and subsequently reduce the production of inflammatory molecules.
By suppressing various inflammatory pathways, luteolin is said to lower acute and chronic inflammation.
Your body gives signs and indications when it requires more luteolin.
Luteolin is indicated in people dealing with inflammatory conditions like gout, asthma, skin psoriasis, and erythema.
Luteolin supplements are available in the following forms:
These supplements may be used or recommended for the following reasons:
Mast cells are a part of the body’s defense mechanism and protect the body from bacterial infections.
But, they may cause side effects in people with allergies.
When the body encounters a small number of allergens, it produces immunoglobulin E (IgE).
However, when the allergy increases, mast cells disintegrate to release histamine.
Histamine is a hormone known to cause typical allergy signs, including stuffy nose, excessive sneezing, brain fog, and congestion.
Consuming luteolin can prevent the degeneration of mast cells and improve allergy symptoms.
All flavonoids have strong antioxidant properties.
They are responsible for the elimination and prevention of the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS).
As a result, they are responsible for a wide range of chronic conditions like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and others.
Luteolin is known to hunt down ROS and prevent the risk of chronic diseases.
Cancer occurs when the body cells divide, multiply and grow uncontrollably.
Luteolin prevents abnormal cell growth by improving the cell cycle and interfering with cell growth.
Luteolin also prevents metastasis of cancer (spread to distant parts of the body from the site of origin) by suppressing cytokine production (responsible for metastasis).
Increased estrogen levels are a known cause of common cancers like breast, ovaries, and prostate cancers.
Estrogen encourages the growth of cancer cells and stimulates them to multiply.
Luteolin competes with estrogen to bind to receptors, thereby showing anti-estrogenic activity.
Luteolin is known to reduce stress and anxiety. It also promotes better social interaction.
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Luteolin supplements are still under research and are not recommended by the FDA for medical use.
Most luteolin supplements contain a mixture of luteolin and rutin (a flavonoid derived from quercetin).
The standard dosage mentioned on product labels ranges from 100-300 mg per serving.
Discussing the suitable dosage with your doctor before taking luteolin supplements is always recommended.
Though commonly eaten for its health benefits, the safety profile of luteolin is relatively unknown.
A few side effects reported with luteolin consumption include:
Foods that are rich in luteolin include
