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Researchers have identified several genes associated with Parkinson’s disease.
In the sample report below, we've attempted to analyze some essential genes that increase the risk for Parkinson’s.
You can identify your genetic risk of Parkinson’s by using your 23andMe DNA data and placing an order for the Gene Health Report.
Alt text: Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s - Xcode Life’s Parkinson’s Genetic Report
Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that causes uncontrollable and unintended movements like shaking, stiffness, and difficulty balancing and coordinating.
It is a neurodegenerative disorder due to the degeneration of dopamine-producing nerve cells (neurons).
Dopamine is a common brain chemical or neurotransmitter responsible for nerve signal transmission.
Parkinson’s affects one in every 500 people.
Most people who develop symptoms of Parkinson’s are usually over 50.
People assigned male at birth (MAB) are likelier to develop Parkinson’s than those assigned female at birth (FAB).
When the nerve cells in the basal ganglia (part of the brain that controls movement) are damaged, they produce less dopamine than usual.
Lesser than usual dopamine results in movement-related problems that are characteristic of Parkinson’s.
Though the mechanism behind Parkinson’s is fairly known, what causes the degeneration or death of the neurons is unknown.
People with Parkinson’s also lose nerve endings that produce another neurotransmitter called norepinephrine. This chemical controls functions like heart rate and blood pressure.
Lower than usual level of norepinephrine gives rise to other Parkinson’s symptoms like:
Common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include:
The symptoms of Parkinson’s are different in people, and the rate at which they progress also differs among individuals.
While early symptoms of the condition are subtle, they aggravate as the disease progresses.
Family members are often the first to notice changes in people who develop symptoms of Parkinson’s.
Several types of Parkinson’s disease exist. The three most common ones are:
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 50% to 80% of people with Parkinson’s disease will develop dementia.
Several brain cells of people with Parkinson’s contain unusual clumps of the protein alpha-synuclein. These cells are called Lewy bodies.
Researchers are still trying to understand the normal and abnormal functions of the alpha-synuclein protein and its effect on dementia.
Some existing research states that Lewdy bodies play a role in many conditions that cause dementia.
Lewy body dementia is a condition that occurs when Lewy bodies build up in the brain, eventually damaging the brain cells and causing dementia.
It is challenging to diagnose Lewy body dementia as its symptoms are easily confused with those of other brain disorders and psychiatric conditions.
Lewy body dementia (LBD) is of two types.
In both these types, the underlying changes occurring in the brain over time in people give rise to similar symptoms.
Cognitive symptoms develop more than a year after the movement symptoms like tremors and muscle stiffness set in.
PDD starts as a movement disorder with symptoms like slowed movements, shuffling walks, muscle stiffness, and tremors.
Cognitive symptoms of dementia and mood and behavioral changes may set in later.
It is important to note that not all individuals with Parkinson’s develop dementia, and it is difficult to predict who will.
Some older patients with Parkinson’s may develop some degree of dementia.
Cognitive symptoms in people with DLB develop within a year of the movement of symptoms.
People with DLB also show a decline in their thinking ability, making it look similar to Alzheimer’s.
However, they also develop movement issues and other symptoms of LBD with time.
Happy World Liver Day!
The liver is the largest organ in the body. It is also one of the busiest and most underrated organs. If it weren't for the liver, your body would be unable to distinguish between toxic and useful chemicals. Your liver helps detoxify your body and maintain healthy metabolic pathways.
Today, on World Liver Day, we help you recognize its immense significance in the body and how you can help protect its health.
Choline was declared an essential nutrient by the Institute of Medicine in 1998. Essential nutrients are compounds that the body cannot produce or produces in insufficient amounts and need to be supplemented through diet.
Choline is required for several important functions in the body, including the regulation of the muscular system, nervous system, and liver function. It also helps maintain an active metabolism.
Choline is a part of a type of fat called phospholipids, which are essential to protect the structural integrity of the cell membranes. It produces compounds that aid the transportation of lipids, thereby preventing their accumulation in the liver.
Choline is also needed to produce acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitters help transmit signals from the brain to the target cells.
Along with vitamin B9 and B12, choline is involved in the synthesis of DNA.
Small amounts of choline are produced in the liver, insufficient to meet daily requirements. This essential nutrient needs to be supplemented through diet. The requirements vary from person to person based on their age, genetic makeup, and various other factors.
The Institute of Medicine recommends a daily intake of 550 milligrams and 425 milligrams of choline for adult men and women, respectively.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should increase their daily intake to 450 milligrams and 550 milligrams, respectively.
Choline deficiency is rare, but specific individuals are at a higher risk. A 2018 study shows men are at a higher risk for choline deficiency than women!
However, post-menopausal women are at a higher risk than pregnant women. Higher choline intake can help prevent birth anomalies like neural tube defects.
Other at-risk groups for choline deficiency include:
Choline deficiency can also increase the risk of developing certain health conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, hypertension, and liver damage.
A choline-rich diet is very effective in preventing choline deficiency. Eggs and organ meat such as chicken liver, salmon, and cod are good sources of choline.
Plant-based sources include vegetables like broccoli, and cauliflower, fruits like apples and tangerines, and vegetable-based oils like soybean oil. Soy lecithin is a food additive containing about 3-4% choline content.
Image: Dietary sources of choline
*DV - Daily Value
Source: National Institutes of Health
Specific genes also influence your choline requirements.
The PEMT gene is one such example. This gene contains instructions for making an enzyme that is involved in the production of choline.
Variants or changes in this gene affect choline levels in the body.
If you are at risk for choline deficiency, talk to your doctor. You might need to take choline supplements from a diet rich in choline.
A genetic test can help determine if you have any genetic variations affecting your choline levels.
Most genetic tests provide your DNA information as a text file known as the raw DNA data. This data may seem like Greek and Latin to you.
At Xcode Life can help you interpret this data. You must upload your raw data and order a nutrition report. Xcode Life then analyzes your raw data to provide comprehensive nutrition analysis, including information on your choline levels.
In a world where weight loss is a highly sought-after goal, people always search for the latest and greatest tips and tricks to shed those extra pounds. From fad diets to intense workout routines, there is no shortage of methods promising fast and effective weight loss. However, one nutrient that is often overlooked in this quest is vitamin B12. While it's well-known for its role in energy production and nerve function, recent research suggests that vitamin B12 could also play a significant role in weight loss. This article explores whether vitamin B12 is the secret nutrient for weight loss and how it can benefit your health.
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a vital role in multiple functions of the body.
This vitamin is attached to the food you eat. Vitamin B12 metabolism starts in the mouth when food is mixed with saliva and ingested.
Two active forms of vitamin B12 are available - methylcobalamin and 5-deoxy adenosylcobalamin.
About 6% of adults and 20% of older adults (aged 60 and above) may be vitamin B12 deficient in the United States and the United Kingdom.
10-30% of adults may struggle to absorb vitamin B12 from food.
As a result, they may not be getting their Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of B12 every day.
Vitamin B12 is more abundant in animal and dairy products than plant-based foods.
Some foods may have higher levels of B12, but their bioavailability value may be low. Bioavailability is the number of vitamins that can be absorbed from the food.
The bioavailability of B12 is three times more in dairy products than in animal products.
Similarly, bioavailability is 50% more in dietary supplements when compared to natural food sources.
The following are some of the foods rich in vitamin B12.
Vitamin B12 plays various roles in the body, including the following.
Vitamin B12 helps with weight loss in several ways, including the following.
A 2016 study reports that pregnant women with low vitamin B12 levels in their first trimester had increased BMI levels compared to those with normal B12 levels.
A 2017 case-controlled study was conducted in Turkey, analyzing the effects of vitamin B12 levels on childhood obesity.
According to the study, children with low B12 had higher BMI levels than children with normal levels of B12.
A 2016 study on female mice reports that severe B12 deficiency may increase cholesterol levels and body fat percentages.
A 2019 study analyzed the effects of vitamin B12 deficiency on body weight in 9,075 American adults.
According to this study, obese and overweight individuals consistently had lower serum vitamin B12 levels than those with normal BMI levels.
Vitamin B12 in the body is converted into an active form called deoxyadenosylcobalamin.
Deoxyadenosylcobalamin plays a role in fat metabolism (the breakdown and storage of lipids).
According to studies, insufficient or partial breakdown of lipids may lead to increased weight gain and risk of metabolic conditions like type II diabetes.
Boosting vitamin B12 may help improve lipid metabolism and promote weight loss.
Vitamin B12 deficiency may lead to fatigue and tiredness, preventing people from being physically active.
Physical activity helps burn calories, which directly influences weight loss strategies.
Therefore, supplementing vitamin B12 in those deficient in this nutrient may help improve their physical activity levels, which, in turn, will help them lose weight.
A 2022 study reports that gut microbial diversity and proper functioning are important for weight loss.
About 80% of the microbes in the gut need vitamin B12 to function.
A lack of vitamin B12 can alter the microbial profile in the stomach. Supplementing the right amounts of vitamin B12 can help improve gut health and support weight loss.
According to experts, the link between vitamin B12, energy levels, and mood may answer why vitamin B12 deficiency leads to weight gain.
Vitamin B12 helps boost energy levels. Lack of vitamin B12 can decrease general energy levels in individuals, preventing them from being physically active.
Also, vitamin B12 helps maintain mental health, keeping the risk of mood swings and depression low. Mental health conditions may also contribute to weight gain.
The following people are at higher risk for vitamin B12 deficiency.
The following are the signs and symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Weight gain or the inability to lose weight can be due to multiple factors, with vitamin B12 deficiency being one of them.
Vitamin B12 injections are easy ways to quickly improve B12 levels and promptly treat the signs and symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Studies haven't found a direct link between vitamin B12 injections and weight loss.
However, improving B12 levels may improve energy, help with better metabolism, and reduce mental health risks.
A healthy diet, moderate physical activity, and normal vitamin B12 levels may help lose weight.
You can meet your vitamin B12 needs through food sources and dietary supplements.
The following are the Recommended Dietary Allowances for vitamin B12.
| Age | RDA of vitamin B12 (in mcg) |
| 0-6 months | 0.4 |
| 7-12 months | 0.5 |
| 1-3 years | 0.9 |
| 4-8 years | 1.2 |
| 9-13 years | 1.8 |
| 14+ years | 2.4 |
Include healthy portions of beef, seafood, and dairy products in your everyday meals. Vegetarians and vegans can include nutritional yeast and vitamin B12-fortified foods regularly.
Vitamin B12 supplements are available as Over-The-Counter (OTC) oral supplements and lozenges.
Prescription supplements in injections or nasal sprays are available for people with diagnosed vitamin B12 deficiency.
Please consider dietary supplements only after consulting with your doctor.
We may be carriers of certain conditions (not have the condition but possess the ability to pass it to the next generation). Learn more:
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited genetic disease that affects nearly 30,000 children and adults in the USA.
The development of thick, sticky mucus build-up in organs characterizes this condition.
Diagnosing cystic fibrosis early helps effectively manage the condition and improves the individual's quality of life.
The cystic fibrosis sweat test helps determine if an individual has this condition by assessing the amount of chloride in their sweat.
The sweat chloride test is the gold standard for diagnosing cystic fibrosis.
In people with cystic fibrosis, there is a problem with the movement of chloride ions across cell membranes.
This means there is a higher concentration of salt in sweat when compared with people who do not have cystic fibrosis.
The sweat chloride test can be performed as early as 48 hours after birth.
It is recommended for babies with a family history of the condition or those who tested positive for cystic fibrosis in the newborn screening test.
The chloride sweat test is a simple procedure that takes about 30 minutes.
No special preparation is required for the cystic fibrosis sweat test.
You can allow your child to eat, drink and continue their routine.
However, avoiding lotions on the skin for 24 hours before the test is recommended.
How Do I Prepare My Child For A Sweat Test?
Since no needles are used in this sweat test, you can rest assured that your child will be comfortable throughout the test duration.
The test usually takes around 30 minutes but may take longer in some cases. Bring a few books or toys to entertain your child during the test.
The chloride sweat test is simple and usually involves the following steps:
The area on the arm or leg that was used for the rest may remain red for a few hours, but there is nothing to worry about.
Can The Sweat Test Be Administered More Than Once?
The chloride sweat test may need to be repeated in the following scenarios:
Cystic fibrosis test results may take a few days to arrive. Confirm the timeline when booking the sweat test.
Chloride in sweat is measured in mmol/L (millimoles per liter)
So, having a sweat chloride level over 60 millimoles per liter is considered abnormal and may indicate cystic fibrosis.
The doctor will perform other tests and symptomatic assessments to confirm a cystic fibrosis diagnosis.
False positive results are rare in the case of a sweat chloride test.
However, some conditions that may falsely increase sweat chloride levels include:
A sweat chloride test is accurate in around 98% of patients with cystic fibrosis.
Risks due to the sweat chloride test are rare.
The electrical stimulation may cause skin reddening, which resolves in a few hours.
In sporadic cases, the skin may look mildly sunburned.
The cystic fibrosis sweat test costs around USD 250.
Despite advances in medical technology, predicting heart attacks remains a challenge. With heart disease being the leading cause of death worldwide, humans would benefit enormously if we could predict the odds of getting heart disease. With the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), there is growing hope that we can improve our ability to predict and prevent heart attacks. Can AI predict heart attacks? Let's explore this fascinating question together.
Cardiac arrest is a condition when the heart stops beating suddenly.
It stops blood flow to other vital organs, which can starve them of oxygen, called hypoxia.
It ultimately leads to irreversible organ damage and even death.
Before a cardiac arrest, a person might experience nausea, chest pain, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
Cardiac arrest can be caused either by atrial or ventricular fibrillation.
When the heart's ventricles beat irregularly, blood flow to vital organs and other body parts can slow down or completely stop.
When the SA node, the heart's atria, malfunctions, it does not generate an impulse for a heartbeat.
It can also cause irregular heartbeat and cardiac arrest.
People who have a history of heart disease in the family or are suffering from diabetes or hypertension are more prone to cardiac arrests.
Obesity and low potassium and magnesium in the diet can also increase the risk of suffering a cardiac arrest.
AI has tremendous potential to revolutionize healthcare.
With its ability to analyze vast amounts of data and detect patterns, AI can help diagnose diseases earlier, develop more personalized treatment plans, and improve patient outcomes.
AI-powered systems can also help reduce human error.
Additionally, AI can help researchers discover new drugs and therapies and streamline the drug development process.
The potential benefits of AI in healthcare are vast, and as the technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more innovative applications that will transform the field.
Studies have shown that sudden cardiac arrests due to irregular heartbeat are the leading cause of death.
Yet, there is minimal healthcare professionals can do to stop such deaths.
Researchers have found that many people at low risk of cardiac arrest are getting defibrillators, leaving those at a higher risk vulnerable.
AI algorithm can determine who is at risk of cardiac arrest and when it can potentially occur, increasing the chances of treatment of vulnerable patients.
AI can predict heart attacks by analyzing large amounts of patient data and identifying patterns and risk factors associated with heart disease. Some of how AI has been used to predict heart attacks include:
Overall, while more research is needed, the current evidence suggests that AI has great potential to improve our ability to predict heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases.
SSCAR
A new type of AI called Survival Study of Cardiac Arrhythmia Risk (SSCAR) can change how doctors diagnose and treat cardiac failures.
This technology can detect minute cardiac scarring that the naked eye might otherwise miss.
Cardiac scarring can be caused by long-term hypertension and previous heart attacks.
Detecting such abnormalities in the heart can significantly increase patients' chances of getting treatment early on.
QUARTZ
It is an AI-enabled tool that studies the imaging of the retina’s veins and arteries and combines it with other known risk factors to predict vascular health and death.
The researchers used the tool to scan images from 88,052 UK Biobank participants aged 40 to 69. They found the data computed by Quartz was significantly associated with cardiovascular disease, deaths and strokes
Coronary Plaque Buildup
Investigators from Cedars-Sinai have created an AI-enabled tool to help predict heart attacks.
The tool analyzes the coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) 3D images of the heart and arteries to study the plaque buildup in the arteries.
The tool accurately predicted which patients would experience a heart attack in five years based on the amount and composition of plaque in arteries that supply blood to the heart.
Apple watches have optical sensors and electrocardiograms to detect health issues early.
Recent studies show that Apple watches can detect irregular heartbeats and potential cardiac failure.
Although it cannot prevent a heart attack, Apple watches can alert the user and detect any abnormality before a formal diagnosis.
AI can monitor patients' heart health and alert them if anything unnatural occurs.
It implies that patients can get treatment faster, potentially saving a life.
Many physicians have argued that AI should always be used as a guiding tool rather than something that can diagnose diseases.
Algorithms cannot replace the years of experience of healthcare professionals.
AI and algorithms should always be used in context and under healthcare professionals' guidance for maximum benefits.
If AI is widely used to predict patients' health, it has the potential to revamp the healthcare system completely.
It can help safeguard patients from potentially fatal heart attacks.
It can also help doctors monitor their patients better and provide more personalized treatment plans.
AI can potentially transform the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
Heart attack is one of the leading causes of death worldwide.
AI can provide accurate predictions about heart attacks before a clinical diagnosis.
It can speed up treatment and potentially save lives.
However, AI can never replace the human angle involved in healthcare.
AI, coupled with the expertise and experience of healthcare professionals, can help patients get better medical care.
Mental health is a topic that is often talked about but remains largely unknown.
When someone says mental health, “genes” or “genetics” is not the next immediate thing that comes to mind, maybe not even the fourth or fifth.
However, recent research into mental health urges us to think otherwise by establishing a significant genetic component for many mental health disorders.
These results can be crucial for understanding and treating mental health disorders.
Thinking about it logically, this shouldn’t surprise us at all!
The millions of activities in the brain contribute to our thoughts, emotions, love, consciousness, and so on.
Millions of brain cells or neurons transmit brain activities or signals.
So for effective brain activity, the brain cells must function well.
Each cell has DNA with thousands of genes. And if you have “normal” genes, your brain cells usually function.
However, if you carry a “change” or an “error” in one or more of the genes in the DNA of the brain cells, their functioning may be hampered.
Imagine an electricity grid; what’d happen if one circuit is flawed?
It may not result in a complete blackout, but we may face power fluctuations.
The brain is only 1000 times more complex! Minor changes may not entirely contribute to a mental disorder - there is no one “depression gene” or “anxiety mutation.”
But genetic factors make some people more likely to have mental health issues by interfering with the normal functioning of the brain cells.
This could explain why issues like depression or bipolar disorders seemingly run in the family.
Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in the United States, with an estimated 15 million Americans affected yearly.
A growing body of research suggests that depression may be partly due to genes passed down from family members.
Studies have shown that depression is more common in families with a history of mental illness.
This suggests that there may be a genetic component to depression.
Heritability – the proportion of variation in a trait due to genetic factors – is estimated to account for about 40-50% of the risk for developing depression.
Glutamate Receptors and Mood Disorders
Years’ worth of research shows that glutamate is instrumental in depression.
There is also increasing evidence of a possible relationship between glutamate and the pathophysiology and treatment of depression.
Glutamate is a neurotransmitter (or chemical messenger) released in the brain that is important for learning and memory.
Excessive glutamate release in the body may be associated with excitotoxicity-induced brain damage.
Glutamate is synthesized in the body and ingested from certain kinds of food, including meat, cheese, and food seasonings containing MSG or monosodium glutamate.
High levels of glutamate have been linked to mood disorders like depression.
Glutamate receptors play a role in determining the levels of glutamate.
People with certain changes in the gene coding for glutamate receptors may be more prone to depression than others.
Evidence-based studies reveal that anxiety, in part, is dictated by our genes.
Experts noticed a connection between genes and anxiety before discovering the role of DNA and genes.
If you have an immediate relative with anxiety, there are 2 to 6 times increased risk of developing it.
The serotonin transporter gene (5-HTT) is one of the well-researched genes for anxiety.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter or a brain chemical.
It is believed to be a mood stabilizer, which can aid healthy sleep patterns and boost your mood.
The 5-HTT gene is a crucial regulator of serotonin levels in the brain.
A clear correlation has been established between low serotonin levels and increases in depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.
The 5-HTT gene comes in two forms: L and S.
The S form is associated with lower 5-HTT gene expression and, subsequently, lower serotonin reuptake.
This results in an increased risk for anxiety.
Before starting on the genetic link to stress, it is important to know that stress is not always a villain.
There are two types of stress: eustress and distress,
Most of us know that distress is a negative feeling characterized by extreme sorrow, sadness, and pain - bad stress.
Eustress is a positive form of stress that produces positive feelings of excitement, fulfillment, meaning, satisfaction, and well-being.
One of the most important genes connected with your stress response is COMT.
The COMT gene produces the catechol-O-methyltransferase or the COMT enzyme.
COMT breaks down neurotransmitters like epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine.
Your fight or flight response is activated in response to excessive stress and is triggered by epinephrine and norepinephrine.
Dopamine plays a crucial role in reward response.
A selected COMT gene modification called rs4680 or V158M has been proven to bring about changes in intellectual and behavioral traits and other illnesses.
People with the GG version of the COMT gene tend to have low dopamine levels and perform better under stress.
Those with the AA version tend to have lower stress resilience.
Xcode Life’s genetic test analyzes genes associated with mental health, like the ones mentioned above.
With the results, you can understand your risk for various mental conditions, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, stress, and anorexia.
The reports also include customized recommendations to improve your mental health.
