Genetic testing

FUT2

Fut2 gene is related to your gut health. Did you know that colon cancer is number 5 in leading causes of death in unite states? The gut contains trillions of good bacteria that are very important in maintaining gut health. Gut health has also been linked to mental functioning and emotions. An imbalance between friendly and unfriendly bacteria is called dysbyosis. Fut2 gene mutation is also linked with leaky gut syndrome, B12 vitamin status, need for probiotics and prebiotics, susceptibility to gut infections, chrohn’s and celiac diseases. Taking good care of your gut health can have many benefits, in addition to making you feel better overall.

NOS

The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the family of nitric oxide synthases, which synthesize nitric oxide from L-arginine. Nitric oxide is a reactive free radical, which acts as a biologic mediator in several processes, including neurotransmission, and antimicrobial and antitumoral activities. In the brain and peripheral nervous system, nitric oxide displays many properties of a neurotransmitter, and has been implicated in neurotoxicity associated with stroke and neurodegenerative diseases, neural regulation of smooth muscle, including peristalsis, and penile erection. This protein is ubiquitously expressed, with high level of expression in skeletal muscle. Multiple transcript variants that differ in the 5' UTR have been described for this gene but the full-length nature of these transcripts is not known. Additionally, alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms (some testis-specific) have been found for this gene.

NOS gene is involved in cardiac health, performance during exercise, healing, vasodilation, blood pressure, ED, and respiratory vasodilation and response. Some evidence shows nitric oxide production may be reduced in people with Type 2 Diabetes.

GSR

This gene encodes a member of the class-I pyridine nucleotide-disulfide oxidoreductase family. This enzyme is a homodimeric flavoprotein. It is a central enzyme of cellular antioxidant defense, and reduces oxidized glutathione disulfide (GSSG) to the sulfhydryl form GSH, which is an important cellular antioxidant. Rare mutations in this gene result in hereditary glutathione reductase deficiency. Multiple alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found. [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2010]

 One of the main functions of GSR gene is that it produces a protein that maintains high levels of reduced glutathione in the cytosol. Glutathions is one of the most powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants reduce oxidative stress and damage, they sequester free radicals.  Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant produced by the liver to protect the body against free radicals, peroxides, and heavy metals. Elevated levels of oxidative stress may be a precursor to multiple diseases. These include diabetes, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis. Glutathione helps stave off the impact of oxidative stress, which may, in turn, reduce disease.

COMT

 The COMT gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called catechol-O-methyltransferase. Two versions of this enzyme are made from the gene. The longer form, called membrane-bound catechol-O-methyltransferase (MB-COMT), is chiefly produced by nerve cells in the brain. Other tissues, including the liver, kidneys, and blood, produce a shorter form of the enzyme called soluble catechol-O-methyltransferase (S-COMT). This form of the enzyme helps control the levels of certain hormones.

 In the brain, catechol-O-methyltransferase helps break down certain chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. These chemicals conduct signals from one nerve cell to another. Catechol-O-methyltransferase is particularly important in an area at the front of the brain called the prefrontal cortex, which organizes and coordinates information from other parts of the brain. This region is involved with personality, planning, inhibition of behaviors, abstract thinking, emotion, and working (short-term) memory. To function efficiently, the prefrontal cortex requires signaling by neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. Catechol-O-methyltransferase helps maintain appropriate levels of these neurotransmitters in this part of the brain.

The COMT gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called catechol-O-methyltransferase. An estimated 20-30% of Caucasians of European ancestry have a COMT gene variation which limits the body's ability to remove catechols (a specific type of molecule that includes dopamine, norepinephrine, estrogen, etc.) by 3-4 times. COMT is also associated with greater levels of cortisol and HPA axis dysfunction (which is largely responsible for the body's ability to calm itself and de-stress). This gene plays an important role in emotions and the fight or flight stress response.

Because of the effects that COMT has on hormones, it directly affects stress reactivity, health, and well-being. Interestingly, those with this gene appear to experience both negative and positive emotions more strongly. Studies have shown that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the COMT gene affect its activity, resulting in ‘warrior’ and ‘worrier’ traits.

What to do about it:

Because COMT is a methylation gene, it's essential to get adequate B vitamins to support COMT, specifically B2, B6, B9, and B12 as well as magnesium. Knowing your nutrient status is important especially if you have this gene mutation and have trouble managing stress in your life.

A supplement SAMe can support COMT methylation.

 Because COMT has a hard time removing catechols from the body, it can also be helpful to avoid foods that increase catechols. High protein foods containing tyrosine, tryptophan, and phenylalanine (i.e., high-protein foods), as they can trigger catechol release. One study showed that reducing these amino acids can even reduce bipolar symptoms. Caffeine can also trigger release of catechols. Limiting alcohol is beneficial since alcohol consumption triggers dopamine release. Smoking may have a negative effect on COMT.

PON1

 This gene encodes a member of the paraoxonase family of enzymes and exhibits lactonase and ester hydrolase activity. Following synthesis in the kidney and liver, the enzyme is secreted into the circulation, where it binds to high density lipoprotein (HDL) particles and hydrolyzes thiolactones and xenobiotics, including paraoxon, a metabolite of the insecticide parathion. Polymorphisms in this gene may be associated with coronary artery disease and diabetic retinopathy. The gene is found in a cluster of three related paraoxonase genes on chromosome 7. [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2017]

 PON1 hydrolyzes the toxic metabolites of a variety of organophosphorus insecticides. Capable of hydrolyzing a broad spectrum of organophosphate substrates and lactones, and a number of aromatic carboxylic acid esters. Mediates an enzymatic protection of low density lipoproteins against oxidative modification and the consequent series of events leading to atheroma formation.

What this means is PON1 gene has several functions and mutation increases you susceptibility to organophosphates (pesticides). Organophosphates have been shown to increase risk of cancer. PON1 also protects against the development of atherosclerosis, where it removes harmful oxidized lipids. Studies also suggest that PON1  protects against bacterial infections thus contributing to the bodies innate immunity.

MTHFR

MTHFR gene provides instructions for your body to make the MTHFR protein, which helps your body process folate. Your body needs folate to make DNA and modify proteins. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a key regulatory enzyme in folate and homocysteine metabolism. Symptoms of mutation vary from person to person.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase is important for a chemical reaction involving the vitamin folate (also called vitamin B9). Specifically, this enzyme converts a form of folate called 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate to a different form of folate called 5-methyltetrahydrofolate. This is the primary form of folate found in blood, and is necessary for the multistep process that converts the amino acid homocysteine to another amino acid, methionine. The body uses methionine to make proteins and other important compounds.