Selenium and Your Genes
Selenium is a trace element found in certain foods. Learn how selenium is used in the body, why it is important, and how genetic variants can make someone more susceptible to problems with a selenium-deficient diet.
virus
Genetic risk and Guillain-Barré syndrome
This article dives into the research on Guillain-Barré syndrome, explaining the course of the disease, and covering the genetic variants that increase the relative risk of this serious autoimmune disease.
NLRP3 Inflammasome, Genetics, and Chronic Inflammation
What makes people more susceptible to chronic inflammatory diseases? The root of the over-activation of inflammation for some people could be the NLRP3 inflammasome.
COVID-19 & Genetics: Who gets sick and why?
Not everyone gets sick when exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. While there are many factors that come into play here, research points to genetics as playing a role. Several good genetic studies have recently been released showing which genes are important in COVID-19 susceptibility. Learn more and check your genes.
Mast cells: Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, Genetics, and Solutions
Mast cells are essential to your innate immune system, defending against pathogens and allergens. For some people, mast cells can be triggered too easily, giving allergy-like responses to lots of different substances.
ADAMTS13 and VWF Genetic Variants: blood clots and thrombocytopenia
Genetic Variants involving the ADAMTS13 gene and VWF (von Willebrand Factor) can increase the risk of blood clots and thrombocytopenia.
Blood clots, platelets, and adenoviruses
Take a look into the role of platelets, their connection to blood clots, and a discussion of the research on adenovirus-vector therapy, thrombocytopenia, and platelet reactions.
G6PD Deficiency: How to check your genes
People who carry the genetic mutations that cause G6PD deficiency are at an increased risk for hemolytic anemia when taking quinine-based medications. This article is intended to be a ‘heads up’ for anyone who is considering using quinine or chloroquine without a doctor’s advice for COVID-19.
FUT2: Check to See if You Are a Secretor or Non-Secretor
A genetic variant in the FUT2 gene controls whether or not you secrete your blood type into your saliva and other bodily fluids, such as your intestinal mucosa. This alters the gut microbiome – and protects you from Norovirus.
ME/CFS: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (and Long Covid?) Genes
Take a look into the science of the lingering effects of viruses, including chronic fatigue syndrome and long-haul viruses.
Cystic Fibrosis: Check to see if you are a carrier
Being a carrier of a cystic fibrosis mutation increases the risk of several diseases including pneumonia from respiratory viruses, pancreatitis, and male infertility. (Member’s article)
Vaccines, Genetics, and Autoimmune Diseases: A roundup of the research
A look into the research-backed studies showing how certain vaccines may slightly increase the absolute risk of autoimmune diseases in susceptible individuals. (Member’s article)
Supplemental Melatonin: Immune Response and Inflammation
Melatonin is important for setting your circadian rhythm and for immune health. Dig into the details on melatonin supplements, scientific research, and more.
Melatonin: Key to Health and Longevity
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.
Vitamin D, Genes, and Your Immune System
Vitamin D is more than just a ‘vitamin’. It is actually a hormone essential to many processes in your body – including your immune system. Learn how vitamin D helps the immune response to coronavirus, flu, and other respiratory viruses.
9 Genes that Impact the Response to Vaccines
Genetics plays a huge role in how an individual responds to a vaccine. Learn more about vaccines, immunity, and genetic variants that affect the response.
Kawasaki Disease: Inflammatory disease in children due to pathogens
Kawasaki disease is an excessive inflammatory response that some children have due to viral or bacterial illnesses. Several genetic variants are tied to an increased susceptibility to Kawasaki disease.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Genes
ARDS is caused by an overwhelming immune response to a virus, bacteria, or lung injury. Learn more about which of your immune system genes are involved in ARDS.
Circadian Rhythm and Your Immune Response to Viruses
Your circadian rhythm influences your immune response. Learn how this rhythm controls white blood cell production and why melatonin protects against viral and bacterial infections.
Genetic Susceptibility to Viruses
Viral immunity-your genes protect you. Your genetic variants shape your immune system and give you superpowers against some pathogens, perhaps more susceptible to others.
Fibroids: Genes, Root Causes, and Solutions
Uterine fibroids are a problem for a lot of women, especially after age 30. Fibroids are benign tumors that grow in the muscle cells of the uterus. This article will dig into the causes of fibroids, explain how your genetic variants can add to the susceptibility, and offer solutions that are backed by research. (Member’s article)
ITGB3: the PIA1/A2 variant and clotting
The PIA2 variant of the ITGB3 gene is linked to an increased risk of blood clots including stroke, heart attack, and DVT. But this variant also comes with a positive trade-off. Learn more with your genetic raw data.