(+1) 647 931 2711Diseases of the immune system
Lupus and Celiac disease are just two examples. These diseases are the result of an overactive immune system, often the result of the immune system unable to distinguish between foreign particles and its own cells. This means that the immune system turns upon itself. Diagnosis can be rather tough and many times people suffer from an immune disease without realizing they actually have one.
Most autoimmune diseases are characterized by some kind of bloating, swelling, rash or pain. Typically, treatment would involve an immunosuppressant, but simple lifestyle changes can be hugely beneficial and save any need for medication (take for example celiac disease which can easily be controlled with a gluten free diet).
Immune system diseases we test for
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is a disease which is fairly common and should be distinguished from the less serious and milder gluten-intolerance. Celiac disease is genetically linked and two genes have been found to be responsible for this disease. The disease is linked to the following two genes:
- DQ2
- DQ8
The absence of these genes would signify someone is entirely free of the disease since the condition is entirely genetic. People suffering from celiac disease can suffer from mild symptoms such as bloatedness and diarrhea, to more serious symptoms and conditions such as anemia and depression. Severe cases can even lead to repeated miscarriages in females.
To read more about this disease, click here
Lupus
Lupus is another immune system disease with a lower prevalence rate than Celiac disease. The disease affects different people and different age groups but is far more common in woman. It is also more common in black people. The disease has many symptoms and effects, some of which can be indeed debilitating. Stiff joints and aches are quite typical. People with Lupus can also suffer from swollen hands and kidney problems. The disease all affects one’s psychological well being with people developing depression and anxiety.
There are 3 forms of Lupus:
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Cutaneous (or skin) Lupus
- Drug-Induced Lupus
There are several genes that are responsible for lupus and the condition is also hereditary. Twin studies have indeed help understand more about lupus on the level of genes and also to establish the extent to which the condition is influenced by genes or by the environment.
The following are the genes involved:
- IRF8 and TMEM39a – these are the two genes responsible for Lupus in European-American, African-American, Gullah as well as Asian people
- IKZF3 – this gene seems to be only responsible for Lupus in African American people.
To read more about this disease, click here
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis, often abbreviated as MS, is a disease in which the nerves are directly targeted. The disease in fact causes the degradation of the myelin sheath, an important coating on our nerve fibers which serves as protection. In advanced cases, the degradation becomes so advanced that the nerves themselves begin to deteriorate – an aspect of MS which is irreversible. Thus, early diagnosis and treatment is crucial. Genetic health predisposition testing can help just with this- helping you know whether you are at high or low risk and take the appropriate measures. There are several genes linked to MS including one of the main culprits, the HLA gene.
There are several symptoms of MS including blurred vision, fatigue, bladder problems, swallowing and also tremors.
To read more about this disease, click here
Other immune diseases covered
Our genetic health predisposition testing services covers a total of 5 diseases related to the immune system. Besides, MS, Celiac disease and Lupus, our DNA test will also determine exactly how susceptible you are from a genetic perspective to Graves’ disease and Psoriasis.
