Aspirin, Colon Cancer Prevention, and Genetics
For some people with specific genetic variants, aspirin may help to prevent colon cancer. Learn more about what the research says and check your genes.
For some people with specific genetic variants, aspirin may help to prevent colon cancer. Learn more about what the research says and check your genes.
The MTHFR gene is important for how your body utilizes folate (vitamin B9) for creating neurotransmitters, detoxifying toxicants, and maintaining a healthy heart. Check your 23andMe or AncestryDNA data for the MTHFR C677T and A1298C variants.
CYP17A1 is important in the production of steroid hormones including testosterone and estrogen. SNPs in CYP17A1 impact hormone levels.
Berberine, a natural compound, is found in plants such as Oregon grape, barberry, and goldenseal. It has been a staple of Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. Take a look into the research and health benefits of this age-old compound.
Neuropilins act as receptors and are found on the surface of cells. Learn about its many roles body, such as in the immune, vascular and nervous systems.
Interleukin-13 (IL-13) is a signaling molecule important in the immune response. Excessive IL-13 can tip you toward a Th2-dominant immune response, and variants increase the risk of allergies and asthma.
The APOBEC3 family of enzymes has a unique way of stopping viruses from replicating. Your genes can affect whether the virus becomes inactive or more virulent.
To have red hair, you need to carry two variants in the MC1R gene. We all know our hair color, but it turns out that if you carry one MC1R genetic variant (and don’t have red hair) you are still at an increased risk for skin cancer.
The MSH3 gene helps protect the body from cancers. Learn more about MSH3 and the possible genetic variants that impact cancer risk.
Several genes have been identified as longevity genes, linked to an increase in lifespan. Most importantly, these particular genetic variants show links to a longer ‘healthspan’. Check your genetic data to see if you carry the FOXO3A and IGF1R variants associated with healthy longevity.
The initial research on the FTO gene was all about how it relates to increased BMI and increased fat cell creation. More recently, researchers discovered that FTO is an m6A eraser that removes methyl groups from mRNA. This discovery has opened up huge avenues of research on topics from cancer to immune response to heart disease.
Fibrinogen is a protein that is essential for creating blood clots when you get a wound. But higher levels of fibrinogen are a major risk factor for heart disease and DVT. Learn how your genes impact your fibrinogen level.
Rapamycin is an antibiotic used as an immunosuppressant, an anti-cancer agent, and to prevent blocked arteries. Rapamycin is now the focus of longevity and healthspan-extending research by inhibiting mTOR.
Melatonin is important for setting your circadian rhythm and for immune health. Dig into the details on melatonin supplements, scientific research, and more.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer and many forms are highly treatable if caught early. Learn more about the different types of skin cancer, your genetic risks, and lifestyle changes to help reduce risk.
The SIRTfood diet, made popular by Adele’s recent weight loss, theoretically works by affecting your sirtuin gene expression. Learn about your SIRT genes and your genetic variants.
The HMGB1 protein has a unique role in activating the inflammatory response pathways. Increased HMGB1 levels will call up the troops for a big response to an infection. Discover how genetic variants of this protein vary the risk of cancer, inflammation, and sepsis to name a few.
In a nutshell, the anti-inflammatory flavonoid found in citrus called hesperidin may help with cardiovascular health and preventing neuroinflammation. Learn more about this flavonoid found in citrus fruits.
Lynch Syndrome increases the risk of certain cancers. The cause relates to inherited mutations in the genes responsible for stopping the replication of cancerous cells. Learn how cancer occurs, risks involved with this particular syndrome, and prevention strategies to implement for risk reduction
More than just a sleep hormone, melatonin is at the heart of many health topics. Your genetic variants play a big role in the production of melatonin. Learn how your lifestyle and diet interact with your melatonin-related genes.
Depending on their processed meat intake, people who carry certain genetic variants are at an increased risk for colon cancer. You can check your genetic data to see if processed meat will likely increase colon cancer risk.
A core circadian rhythm gene, BMAL1, influences heart disease risk, diabetes, and cancer. Check your genes and learn how to mitigate the risk.
The hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF1A) gene codes for a transcription factor, that responds to the amount of oxygen available to the cell. This is important in cancer prevention, and several HIF1A genetic variants alter the susceptibility to several types of cancer.
Your telomeres are the region at the end of each chromosome that keeps your DNA intact when your cells divide. Telomeres that are too short cause cells to stop dividing. This causes some of the diseases of aging. Genetics plays a role here – along with diet and lifestyle.
The World Health Organization (WHO) categorizes light at night as a probable carcinogen. Learn why dim light at night increases your risk of breast cancer — and what you can do to easily reduce this risk. (Member’s article)