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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is creating its mark in different healthcare segments, including mental health.
The mental health space is growing exponentially, with a greater need for mental health experts.
According to a report by Mental Health America, as of 2023, there is just one mental health expert for about 350 people in need.
This leads to experts not being able to help everyone in need.
As a result, therapists are turning to AI to handle some of their existing workloads.
Though AI is not a fully established technology in the mental health space, experts believe that AI in mental health has an enormous potential that needs to be explored.
AI is not a new concept in the healthcare industry.
Several biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies already use AI for disease detection and progression, optimizing drug dosages, and drug discovery.
AI includes concepts like pattern recognition, rapid pattern analysis, neural networks, and deep learning.
All these can be used in different healthcare fields, including oncology, radiology, and ophthalmology, to offer precise diagnoses and effective treatments.
AI is currently being explored as a supportive technology to base clinical decisions on.
The ability of AI to recognize patterns from billions of data, process information at high speed, and synthesize information from immense amounts of past medical information all make AI a preferred technology of choice in healthcare.
Here are some examples of AI used in healthcare.
Mental health disorders are on the rise right now.
In 2021, 57.8 million American adults were diagnosed with mental health disorders.
Experts say this number could be much higher as many individuals don’t get professional help.
The following are some problems with the traditional mental health treatment setups.
AI in mental health may reduce the cost of getting treated and ensure everyone in need gets help quickly.
AI may also be used to precisely identify problems and customize drug doses and treatment options based on various parameters like environmental, genetic, and behavioral patterns.
Here are some current AI applications in mental health.
Digital therapeutics (DTx) is a process of offering therapeutic interventions and medical solutions driven by artificial intelligence.
Such interventions can treat, prevent, or manage a health condition.
Experts suggest the DTx industry could be valued at $56 billion by 2025.
Psychiatry is an important segment of the healthcare industry, where a pipeline of academic and industry DTx research has been happening in the last decade.
Some of the ongoing DTx projects in the mental health space are:
Here is a list of the pros and cons of using DTx.
| Pros of DTx | Cons of DTx |
| Minimizes administrative time | May compromise patient privacy |
| Continuous monitoring | May increase the risk of legal liabilities for DTx brands |
| Helps reduce treatment costs | Unintentional bugs in the AI program may compromise the safety of patients |
A virtual assistant is a tool that can interact digitally with patients, get relevant information, and help them reach the right experts for help.
Virtual assistants can make telemental health quick and hassle-free.
They can take over the initial administrative services and keep all data ready so that the patients can get help immediately.
How chatbots work
Chatbots, also called therapy bots, can chat with patients and offer help for various mental health issues.
Plenty of such chatbots and apps have been targeting AI-based therapy in the past, and a few of them have succeeded too.
Some examples of chatbot-based AI in the mental health space include Youper, Wyse, and Woebot.
Pros and cons of using chatbots
| Pros of chatbots | Cons of chatbots |
| Available to talk 24X7 and not bound by appointments | The conversation is only as effective as the information fed by the user |
| Affordable therapy | Bots may be unable to read inside the lines and identify issues the user doesn’t clearly state or understand themselves |
| Non-judgemental space to talk | Risk of exposing patient privacy |
Predictive analytics predicts patterns and trends based on past healthcare data.
Using predictive analytics, healthcare experts can predict the likelihood of developing health conditions, identify risk factors, and even be able to predict pandemic and epidemic-prone diseases.
How it is used in mental health
Predictive analytics-based AI in mental healthcare can analyze trillions of past data to create trends or patterns.
These may help predict the onset of mental health conditions like addictions, depression, or anxiety based on various genetic and environmental factors.
With these predictions, mental health experts may be able to forecast health issues and offer preventive treatments.
Here is a list of the pros and cons of using predictive analytics.
| Pros of predictive analytics | Cons of predictive analytics |
| Early diagnosis | Sudden changes in variables like environment or relationships can alter the results. |
| Ability to prevent symptoms from worsening | False positives may lead to overspending |
| Ability to identify pandemic or epidemic-prone diseases early on and stay prepared |
AI in mental health has abundant possibilities.
With the exponential increase in mental health disorders, there will always be an imbalance between people needing help and those available to offer the same.
AI can take over some initial therapy tasks, accelerating the speed at which people receive support.
AI in the mental health space can also improve the efficiency of treatments offered and make treatments more precise and tailor-made for the individual.
Here are some of the promises AI offers in mental health treatments.
One of the most significant advantages of using AI in the mental health space is the increased accuracy of diagnosis.
A peer-reviewed study published in 2020 reported that the average accuracy of diagnosis of an AI tool was 72.52%. The accuracy of human doctors in the same field was 71.4%.
Advantages: Quicker diagnosis with the same or improved accuracy.
Effective tool for second opinions for doctors.
Limitation: Errors in input can result in misdiagnosis
One of AI's biggest promises in the mental health industry is personalized medicine.
The way every individual thinks and acts is determined both by their genes and the society they grow in.
That’s why the same medicine may not work for all patients.
AI-enabled personalized treatment helps take the guesswork out of drug doses and treatment options.
AI can analyze family history, genetic mutations, and past medical records to personalize mental health treatment plans.
Advantages: Lowered risk of drug overdoses
Better treatment outcomes
Limitations: High chances of failure to diagnose anomalies that don’t follow a particular pattern
May not be able to capture the entire complexity of mental health conditions
Privacy concerns
Mental health conditions are easier to treat when spotted early.
AI in mental health can be used to assess the risk of developing mental health disorders and help medical experts create preventive solutions to mitigate the risk.
However, the technology is still growing in this space.
The following challenges must be targeted and worked on before accessing the benefits.
Although computationally very powerful, experts believe that AI in mental health can be affected by different biases, just like human minds.
One of the main reasons for AI bias is that initial healthcare was only focused on specific races and genders.
As a result, historical data mining by AI tools may not deliver results representative of human diversity.
Biases concerning social statuses, genders, races, and classes may encourage these applications to change their outputs, making the whole process unfair and biased.
A 2022 study analyzed the effects of biased AI in emergency decision-making.
In total, 438 clinicians and 516 non-experts participated in an online experiment.
Study Details
The participants received fictitious phone calls from men with mental health emergencies.
They were instructed to call the police if they suspected the caller was violent and prone to crime or forward them to a mental health expert for more help.
They were assisted by an AI tool designed to be biased against certain races.
The participants were offered suggestions from the AI tool, and they could choose to accept or ignore the advice.
Study Results
The study reported that their decisions to call the police or the mental health expert were highly influenced by the AI tool.
Therefore, a biased AI system can affect the quality of help and lead to unfairness in the mental health space.
The first way to mitigate AI bias is to constantly evaluate and monitor AI tools and spot and eliminate disparities and possible biases quickly to increase efficiency.
A 2021 study reports that the long-term solution to avoiding disparity and biases is to monitor all aspects of AI in mental health, including data collection and quality of publications regularly.
The easiest way to mitigate bias in AI is to feed it with more diverse data.
Unfortunately, many public data sets don’t represent minorities fairly.
Using these datasets will affect the quality of output generated.
Algorithmic hygiene is the practice of regularly going back to the basics and working on identifying and eliminating different causes of bias to ensure the setup works right.
A long-term solution to making AI in mental health bias-free and dependable is to have better regulatory criteria and compliance terms in this space.
Governments and regulatory bodies need to focus on their regulatory, privacy, and data safety infrastructure and have policies to govern the process.
With an increase in the number of people requiring help, there is no doubt that the potential for AI in the mental health space is enormous.
AI can be used as a first-line help for patients needing support, supplement the work of actual therapists, and ensure help is available when needed.
The initial challenges and hiccups of new technology are expected and very typical.
With more research and upgradation in the tools and techniques, AI can destigmatize mental health issues for the human community.
AI can make therapy affordable and easier to access, reduce human biases and errors, and bring a deeper understanding of mental health conditions.
As humans, we are always curious about the enigmatic nature of our bodies and the fascinating interplay between genetics and various health conditions.
Among the myriad medical puzzles that continue to captivate researchers, scoliosis is a complex spinal disorder that has long intrigued medical professionals and affected individuals.
Over the years, there has been a quest to uncover the underlying causes of scoliosis, leading to a question that lingers in the minds of many: Is scoliosis genetic?
This article aims to shed light on the relationship between our genes and the development of scoliosis, providing a deeper understanding of this condition that affects millions worldwide.
Certain gene changes can put you at higher risk for developing many chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and even scoliosis. Learning about your genetic risks can help plan preventional strategies even before the symptoms appear.
Scoliosis is a lateral or sideways curvature of the spine, causing the person to lean a little while standing.
The word ‘scoliosis’ is derived from Greek and means crooked.
The spine usually takes an elongated ‘S’ or ‘C’-shape, with the spine's bones also twisted, rotated, or elongated.
A spinal curvature of more than 10 degrees is considered scoliosis and can be diagnosed with an X-ray.
Scoliosis may be an isolated condition occurring in healthy individuals or resulting from other neurological or neuromuscular disorders.
With no visible signs noticed, parents are often caught unawares when their children are diagnosed with scoliosis.
While genetic modifications could be one reason adolescents develop this condition, the exact cause remains unidentified in many cases.
According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, about 2-3% of the population develop scoliosis.
There are four types of scoliosis identified based on how the condition develops.
AIS is one of the most common forms of this condition, diagnosed in 80% of scoliosis cases.
Idiopathic conditions arise spontaneously without a known cause.
AIS is mainly diagnosed during an adolescent growth spurt and is more common in girls than boys.
Congenital scoliosis is caused by abnormal development of the spine in the fetus.
The severity and progress of the condition depends on the intensity of the abnormality.
Neuromuscular scoliosis occurs along with other neurological conditions or muscular diseases.
Children with conditions like cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and spinal cord trauma may develop scoliosis as they grow.
Degenerative scoliosis affects older adults. As people age, the back disk and joints wear out, leading to changes in the spinal curvature.
About 6-9 million Americans are diagnosed with scoliosis worldwide.
AIS leads to disability and disfigurement issues in more than 10% of the patients in the United States
This costs the government billions of dollars in treatment and compensation.
According to studies, after age 10, females have up to 6 times higher risk of developing scoliosis compared to males.
Scientists believe that the presence of certain neurological or muscular conditions like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy can increase the risk of developing the condition.
Scoliosis can also be a result of genetic mutations in the body.
Is scoliosis hereditary, and does it run in families?
According to experts, scoliosis can result from abnormal gene mutations in the body.
Such gene mutations may or may not be passed on in families.
The risk of developing scoliosis when there are first-degree relatives with the condition is 11%.
With second and third-degree relatives with the condition, the risk reduces to 2.4% and 1.4%.
A meta-analysis studied the occurrence of AIS in monozygotic twins (identical twins) and dizygotic twins (fraternal twins).
This study suggests that identical twins had a 73% rate of concordance of inheriting scoliosis when compared to just 36% in fraternal twins.
A 2022 systematic review published on BMC Medical Genomics identifies the following genes being responsible for causing Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS).
CHD7 gene
The CHD7 gene (chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 7 gene) is responsible for producing the CHD7 protein.
This protein is found in various body parts before birth, and mutations in this gene may cause CHARGE syndrome.
CHARGE syndrome can lead to congenital abnormalities and growth retardation in fetuses.
Small changes in this gene, known as Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) rs1017861, rs4738824, and rs4738813, may be associated with scoliosis.
FBN1
The FBN1 gene (fibrillin 1 gene) helps make the fibrillin protein. Mutations in this gene may cause Marfan syndrome.
Marfan syndrome is a connective tissue disorder that leads to unusually long fingers and legs and cardiovascular problems.
According to studies, about 60% of patients with Marfan syndrome also have scoliosis.
Scoliosis can be inherited through autosomal dominant inheritance patterns, suggests studies.
With autosomal dominant inheritance, the condition can be inherited when just one copy of the allele of the mutated gene passes on to the next generation.
Image source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2674301/
The figure explains the inheritance of scoliosis through autosomal dominant inheritance
Since the concordance rate (the extent to which both twins share the same characteristic) of inheriting scoliosis is less than 100% in identical twins, genes cannot be solely responsible for scoliosis.
Researchers suggest that genetic and environmental factors may lead to the condition and determine its progression.
The following are some of the factors that influence scoliosis progression.
Factors like diet, lifestyle, and sitting posture may also contribute to condition progression.
Doctors may look for scoliosis as a part of their regular check-ups done on adolescents.
X-Rays can easily help identify spinal curvature.
CT scans to understand the shape and size of the spinal canal and precisely capture the extent of curvature.
Doctors may recommend an MRI test, too, to rule out other conditions like tumors that may be causing scoliosis.
Certain companies offer genetic tests that examine the gene changes associated with scoliosis risk. The results can give you an idea of your genetic risk for scoliosis.
I want to learn my genetic risk for Scoliosis
Doctors suggest the ‘waiting and watching’ approach for growing children with a spinal curvature of less than 20 degrees.
An external brace must be worn for adolescents with spinal curvatures between 20 degrees and 50 degrees to help correct the posture and prevent the condition from worsening.
When the spinal curvature is more than 50 degrees, surgically correcting the spine may be a solution.
Ehler-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of rare inherited conditions that affect the body’s connective tissue.
It affects 1 in 5000 people worldwide.
The connective tissues in the body include skin, blood vessels, bones, muscles, and other supporting tissues.
Any defect or abnormality in the connective tissue can cause signs and symptoms ranging from mildly loose joints to serious, life-threatening complications.
There are 13 types of Ehler-Danlos syndrome, but most are rare.
The most common type of EDS is hypermobile EDS. Others include classical EDS, vascular EDS, and kyphoscoliotic EDS.
The signs and symptoms of EDS depend upon its type.
There is no specific treatment for EDS, but signs and symptoms can be managed with the proper support and advice.
Individuals with EDS can pass the same type of EDS to their children.
While the exact cause of EDS is unknown, at least 20 genes have been found to cause this condition.
Variants in the COL5A1 or COL5A2 genes and rarely COL1A1 can cause the classical type of EDS.
Direct-to-consumer tests like 23andMe do not offer diagnostic testing for genetic conditions like EDS.
This is because they test for a very small number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and cannot be used as a replacement for clinical genetic testing.
If you wish to test for a personal or family history of a genetic condition, it is best to consult a healthcare provider and opt for a more detailed gene testing service.
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A new study sheds light on a potential link between reproductive health and heart disease.
This little-known connection, reveals that women who have undergone hysterectomy or tubal ligation may have an increased risk of developing heart disease.
This article explores the study's findings and what they mean for women's health. Whether you're considering these procedures or simply curious about the latest research, read on to learn more.
Hysterectomy and tubal ligation are two common gynecological procedures.
A hysterectomy is a surgery that involves removing a woman's uterus. A hysterectomy can be done with or without oophorectomy, which is the removal of the ovaries.
Why would someone need their uterus removed?
There are a few reasons why this procedure might be recommended.
Tubal ligation is often called "getting your tubes tied" and is a permanent birth control method.
During a tubal ligation, the fallopian tubes are blocked or sealed off to prevent the eggs from meeting the sperm. This means that pregnancy becomes highly unlikely.
Tubal ligation may decrease your risk of ovarian cancer, especially if the fallopian tubes are removed.
A recent study published in the Journal Of Women’s Health examined the association between these gynecological procedures and cardiovascular disease risk.
This study was done using the data from participants in the Nurses’ Health Study II, which included over 116,000 people.
The participants were between the ages of 25-42 years.
They were followed from 1989 to 2017 (28 years).
The researchers categorized the participants into the following groups:
They then looked at cardiovascular disease incidents and considered participants who had experienced both fatal and non-fatal heart attacks and strokes, and fatal coronary heart disease.
They also included the participants who underwent a procedure called coronary revascularization, which is a procedure to improve blood flow to the heart.
Hysterectomy with and without oophorectomy and tubal ligation were both associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular diseases and coronary revascularization.
The greatest risk was observed in those who had a hysterectomy surgery before the age of 50 years.
The author also says, “Future research is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying the associations between gynecologic surgery and cardiovascular risk and the risks and benefits associated with these procedures to better counsel patients.”
Certain gene changes can increase your risk for heart disease! Learning about your genetic risk can help reduce the risk and even prevent the condition. Visit the link below for a genetic health report covering over 45 conditions, including heart disease.
Taking care of your heart is essential for a long and healthy life. Here are five effective tips to help you keep your heart in shape.
By incorporating these strategies into your lifestyle, you'll be taking a proactive step towards a healthier heart and a happier you.
Note: The information provided here is based on evidence and facts available at the time of writing. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance on maintaining a healthy heart.
Have you ever wondered why you are allergic or sensitive to the same foods as your parents and grandparents?
One reason behind this can be your genetics.
Yes, you read it correctly.
Genetics can be a critical factor in deciding whether your body experiences a possible food intolerance.
For instance, if you and your father have lactose intolerance, it highly suggests an underlying genetic factor. But it's nothing to be worried about.
Instead, it is essential to be familiar with these potential triggers so you can take precautionary steps toward sustaining your health.
To help you understand this concept better, here is a comprehensive guide on how genetics make a difference to your immune system (causing food allergies) and your body's capability to digest food (leading to food intolerances).
So, let's delve deeper and gain excellent food genetics knowledge!
Food intolerances and food allergies are two circumstances that cause comparable side effects yet influence the body in various ways.
The immune system attacks and neutralizes foreign invaders, possibly dangerous to the body.
However, in some cases, due to certain genetic changes, the immune system attacks harmless substances, such as certain foods. This is called a food allergy.
This response typically occurs moments after food consumption, with even a tiny amount capable of sparking symptoms.
A typical example is shortness of breath and low blood pressure after contact with peanuts or seafood.
It is critical to seek immediate medical attention for food allergies, and treatment plans may include medication or using an epinephrine auto-injector.
Generally, common food allergens originate from peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, milk, eggs, and soy.
Food intolerances, in contrast to food allergies, are caused by the digestive tract rather than the immune system.
Food intolerance is generally less severe than a food allergy; however, symptoms can be managed by avoiding problem foods or medication.
Did you know? Food allergy affects up to 15 million people, including 5 million children. Considering that environmental factors have been distinguished as the essential driver of food allergies, certain studies show that genetic qualities may also play a significant role.
For instance, as per a report in the World Allergy Organization journal, identical twins had a 65% chance of sharing their nut allergy—significantly greater than the 10% chance among non-identical twins. This indicates a significant genetic involvement and a resultant genetic component in developing food allergies.
Additionally, a study on 1,500 children with food allergies from the US and Germany uncovered five genetic regions that seem to raise other people's vulnerability to food allergies. This implies that these genetic locales might increase the chances of developing allergies to various food varieties.
Notwithstanding, the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region was found to be specific to peanut allergy cases. The HLA genes help the immune system distinguish between the body cells and foreign invaders like viruses or bacteria.
In the case of peanut allergies, certain changes in the HLA genes may lead to a greater likelihood of developing an allergy to peanuts specifically. Genetics of Food Allergy (GOFA) found two areas of the genes related to food allergies.
The main area was close to the FLG genes, and the second was on chromosome 5 near a cluster of cytokine genes.
While the rapid increase in the prevalence of food allergies suggests that environmental factors contribute more to their development, genetics play a significant role in determining the risk of developing them.
Identifying the genes involved in food allergies can contribute to understanding the disease in terms of recognition, prognosis, prevention, and possibly therapeutic interventions.
Food intolerance is a condition in which individuals experience trouble processing specific foods.
Research has demonstrated how genetic factors can play a part in food intolerance.
Celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder provoked by gluten consumption, can have strong genetic links.
Research suggests that genetics might explain up to 55% of cases of celiac illness.
Studies have recognized some genes related to celiac infection, including HLA-DQ, IL12A, IL18RAP, MYO9B, and others.
These genes initiate immune and inflammatory responses and regulate intestinal permeability and other aspects of gut health.
Another example of how genetics can affect food intolerance is lactase persistence.
Lactase is a chemical that helps digest lactose, a sugar tracked down in milk.
Many people produce lactase at the outset and in their youth; however, as they age, lactase production diminishes, prompting lactose intolerance.
Certain individuals can produce lactase well into adulthood, permitting them to drink milk easily.
This ability is known as lactase persistence and is also strongly influenced by genetics. The MCM6 gene, in particular, plays a key role in regulating lactase production.
However, not every person with a gene variation related to food intolerance will encounter side effects. Environmental factors also may play a significant role in this.
Genes affect food allergies, intolerances, and autoimmune sensitivities. Autoimmune diseases result from immune system errors wherein genetic and environmental factors play a part.
Autoimmune conditions lead to food sensitivities and intolerance.
Celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder, involves gluten. In addition, genetic factors, including HLA-DQ, IL12A, IL18RAP, and MYO9B genes, influence immune responses, inflammation, and gut health.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is another autoimmune disease that can cause food sensitivities. Gene variations in CTLA4 and PTPN22 genes contribute to its development. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) cause secondary food intolerances. IBD genetic factors include NOD2, IL23R, and ATG16L1 genes.
Family history is a risk factor that influences autoimmune diseases and related food sensitivities. Genetic research can identify risk factors and pathways. This helps manage autoimmune diseases and sensitivities. In all, genes impact food allergies, intolerances, and autoimmune sensitivities.
Understanding genetic factors can guide dietary choices, thereby minimizing sensitivity impact. Consult healthcare professionals for personalized nutritional advice and autoimmune condition management.
To diagnose food allergies and intolerances, you can seek clinical counseling. Various strategies can also be utilized to analyze these circumstances, including:
To sum up, genetics can influence the food we consume, leading to food allergies and intolerance.
Recognizing these genes can help understand the sickness better and take precautions.
You must be aware of possible triggers if you have a family history of food intolerance or allergies. This can help you take preparatory steps and make better food choices.
Researchers have identified several genes associated with arthritis.
In the sample report below, we've attempted to analyze some important genes that increase the risk of arthritis.
You can identify your genetic risk of arthritis by using your 23andMe DNA data and placing an order for the Gene Health Report.
Arthritis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation and pain in one or more joints.
The primary symptoms of arthritis are stiffness and swelling pain in the joints, which generally worsen as people age.
In America, arthritis affects nearly 59 million people - or one out of every four people.
The majority of Americans in the US suffer from this chronic condition.
Doctors believe genetics may be involved, particularly in cases when the condition strikes at an early age.
Over 100 different forms of arthritis exist, and they can be widely categorized as degenerative, infectious, inflammatory, and metabolic. The two most common kinds of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that damages the joints and causes changes in the tissues surrounding the joints, including cartilage (the sliding surface covering the bone) and the bone itself.
Osteoarthritis, the most common kind of arthritis, undergoes similar changes.
The cartilage degrades, thins, and eventually turns rough, giving less protection for the bones.
Other Types of arthritis
Other types of arthritis include:
Psoriatic arthritis is predicted to affect 2.4 million people. Psoriatic arthritis is caused by the inflammation that results from the common skin condition psoriasis. Psoriatic arthritis symptoms include:
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a less frequent type of chronic autoimmune and inflammatory arthritis.
It causes pain and stiffness in the hips and back, eventually leading to the fusion of vertebrae in your spine.
This fusion is termed ankylosing.
The sacroiliac (SI) joints at the base of your spine are the primary targets of AS.
These signs include:
People do not inherit osteoarthritis; rather, they inherit an increased chance of acquiring it. According to research, genetics plays a role in between 40% and 65% of cases of osteoarthritis.
Genes that code for structural proteins of the extracellular matrix of the cartilage, particularly those that code for collagen type II (COL2A1), appear to play a significant role in the development of osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is not caused by only one gene but by a combination of genes, other conditions, and environmental factors.
A thorough analysis of the genetics of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) found that the heritability was approximately 60%.
About 37% is believed to originate from genes connected to the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system, also called the major histocompatibility complex or MHC genes. These are significant genes for the immunological response.
According to studies, there are four main genetic factors associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis:
HLA-DR4: the gene that is most strongly associated with RA. People who carry this gene are more likely to get RA than people who do not, and their symptoms may be more severe.
The STAT4 gene regulates and stimulates the immune response.
TRAF1 and C5 genes are essential for the genesis of chronic inflammation.
PTPN22 gene-Linked to the onset and progression of RA
Even though these gene variations are linked to RA, you can have all of them and not have the illness. However, RA has a significant genetic component but is not directly inherited.
Several HLA gene variations appear to influence the likelihood of developing psoriatic arthritis.
Nevertheless, 40% of those with PsA have at least one close relative with the condition.
90% of Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) sufferers have the HLA-B27 gene. Some people without the gene also acquire AS, and not everyone with the gene gets AS.
Overweight: The major joints, such as the hips, knees, and ankles, are put under higher stress when a person is overweight.
Overweight people are more prone to experiencing early osteoarthritis.
Age: It has been observed that RA risk rises with age. The disorder is more prevalent in people 60 years of age and older.
Gender: Women are affected 2-3 times more than men by RA.
Unaddressed health concerns: Illnesses and injuries can make you more likely to develop arthritis. Joint injuries left untreated may result in accelerated cartilage aging.
Smoking: Smoking increases the loss of cartilage and makes you struggle more with joint swelling. This develops rheumatoid arthritis and can aggravate the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Nature of work: Some jobs require repetitive knee bending and squatting. There is a chance that arthritis will develop later in life as a result of that repetitive stress on a single joint.
