The Immune System: DNA Test and Disease

The Immune System: Health DNA Test and Disease

The immune system is designed to protect the body from disease and infection. It works by attacking foreign bodies or produces antibodies to attack foreign bodies. With autoimmune diseases, the body is unable to recognize foreign bodies from healthy cells causing the immune system to literally attack itself.  Autoimmune diseases stem from an overactive, inappropriate immune response of the body, which is called autoimmunity.

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder effecting digestion, particularly the small intestine. This condition is triggered by consumption of gluten, a protein found in foods such as wheat, rye and barley and other products containing glutens. During the digestion process, the immune system attacks the gluten and subsequently damages the cells of the small intestine. This in turn makes it hard for the body to absorb the nutrients it needs in order to remain healthy.

Typical symptoms of celiac disease include: Bloating and gas, changes in bowel movements, weakness, tiredness and weight loss.

The causes of celiac disease are unclear, yet studies show that it may be a combination of factors. Environmental conditions and genetic composition are seen to play a part in the development of this disease.

Most persons suffering with celiac disease are found to have one of two types of HLA-DQ protein. The risk of developing the disease is increased with the presence of variants of the genes known as HLA-DQA1 and HLA-DQB1 genes.

Treatment for the disease is imperative to prevent further complications such as the development of iron deficient anemia, osteoporosis and other disorders.  Therefore assessing your risk of developing celiac disease through genetic testing can prompt you to seek the required treatment.

Interested in reading more about this? Read more about our genetic health test for Celiac disease.

Lupus

As is the case in all other autoimmune diseases whereby the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy cells, in Lupus the attack is more widespread causing the immune system to attack healthy cells, tissues and organs.

Several types of lupus exist but the main types fall into three categories: 

• Discoid lupus erythematous – a mild form that typically affects the skin
• Drug-induced lupus – there are certain types of drugs that can cause a lupus like effect
• Systemic lupus erythematous – this type can range from mild to severe effecting body tissues and organs

Lupus is more prevalent in women and can occur at any age between 15 and 50 years old. Diagnosing lupus may prove to be difficult as there are other disorders with similar signs and symptoms however blood tests can confirm the presence of the disease.

Genetic and environmental factors are to blame for triggering the disease. Lupus has found to be linked to mutations in several genes, the strongest associations with TGAM, PXK and KIAA1542.

Interested in reading more about this? Read more about our genetic health test for Lupus.

Do you want to minimize the risk of developing diseases that affect your autoimmune system?

easyDNA offers you the chance at reducing your risk of developing certain autoimmune diseases.

Awareness about the risk factors involved in the emergence of disease can help prompt you to make the necessary lifestyle changes needed for prevention.

There are several autoimmune diseases, over 80 types. easyDNA offers genetic testing for some of the most common autoimmune diseases including Lupus, Celiac disease and more.