Genetic Predisposition
Genetic predisposition, also called genetic susceptibility, is defined as the effect of gene that influences the phenotype expression of an individual, including the susceptibility to certain diseases and disorders. As we already know, genetic composition is directly responsible for the physical attributes of an organism. Unlike this genotypic effect, the affectation of genetic predisposition can be altered or changed with respect to environmental factors. In contrary to this, environmental predisposition refers to influencing the phenotype by external conditions.
Genetic Predisposition: Explained
In medical science, genetic predisposition is evaluated to correlate the possibility of diseases developing in an individual and disposition of the genes to the particular health problems. Like for instance, an individual having a predisposition for schizophrenia has an increased risk of manifesting this psychotic disorder than the general population. However, it doesn't mean that he or she will surely get the condition. The main approach used for identifying genetic predisposition is none other than genetic testing and screening. For your understanding, genetic predisposition of various cases are highlighted below:
Genetic Predisposition to Obesity
Go through the probable causes of obesity and you will come across genetic predisposition as one of the factors responsible along with diet and lifestyle habits. In a study conducted in Boston University Medical School, it is found that a slight alteration in the gene (INSIG2) is the primary reason for obese propensity. As this particular gene undergoes changes, it affects fat production in the body, thereby increasing the risk of becoming overweight or obese. Similar to this, some people are genetically predisposed to remain slim.
Genetic Predisposition to Addiction
It is suggested that approximately 50 percent cases of alcohol addiction are caused due to genetic predisposition to alcoholism. The remaining 50 percent are because of poor coping skills. Keeping it in statistical terms, the offspring of drug addicts are eight times more prone to become addicted than others. Supporting this statement, Dr. Nora Volkow, the director of national institute on drug abuse (NIDA), claimed that some individuals are genetically predisposed to addiction.
Genetic Predisposition to Depression
When it comes to treatment of major depression problems, the option lies in identifying the underlying causes and preventing them. But, the main query that lingers in the minds of physician is the genetic basis of depression. A genetic research of identical twins concluded that if one of them is depressed, the other person has 50 percent chances of getting depressed. No doubt, the gene responsible for triggering depression symptoms is identified. But, it differs from one report to another. Thus, it is still not clear as to which gene leads to depression.
Genetic Predisposition to Disease
Apart from genetic disorders, genetic predisposition to cancer, diabetes and osteoarthritis have been studied on a global scale. It is found that a person having a medical history of diabetes, either in first-degree relative (parents or siblings) or second-degree relative (uncle, aunt, cousins) is more likely to develop this blood sugar problem than others. Likewise, an individual with a genetic predisposition to lung cancer should refrain from smoking to reduce risk of developing lung carcinoma in the later stages of life.
According to scientists, genetic predisposition has both positive and negative effects. The good point is inheritance of intelligence, strong mental ability and specific talents from parents to their offspring. Whereas, tendency to develop mental disorders and medical conditions is the downside story of genetic disposition. In the concluding note, studying human genetics and identifying disposition towards a disease will surely help an individual in minimizing the risk of developing it in future.
Genetic predisposition, also called genetic susceptibility, is defined as the effect of gene that influences the phenotype expression of an individual, including the susceptibility to certain diseases and disorders. As we already know, genetic composition is directly responsible for the physical attributes of an organism. Unlike this genotypic effect, the affectation of genetic predisposition can be altered or changed with respect to environmental factors. In contrary to this, environmental predisposition refers to influencing the phenotype by external conditions.
Genetic Predisposition: Explained
In medical science, genetic predisposition is evaluated to correlate the possibility of diseases developing in an individual and disposition of the genes to the particular health problems. Like for instance, an individual having a predisposition for schizophrenia has an increased risk of manifesting this psychotic disorder than the general population. However, it doesn't mean that he or she will surely get the condition. The main approach used for identifying genetic predisposition is none other than genetic testing and screening. For your understanding, genetic predisposition of various cases are highlighted below:
Genetic Predisposition to Obesity
Go through the probable causes of obesity and you will come across genetic predisposition as one of the factors responsible along with diet and lifestyle habits. In a study conducted in Boston University Medical School, it is found that a slight alteration in the gene (INSIG2) is the primary reason for obese propensity. As this particular gene undergoes changes, it affects fat production in the body, thereby increasing the risk of becoming overweight or obese. Similar to this, some people are genetically predisposed to remain slim.
Genetic Predisposition to Addiction
It is suggested that approximately 50 percent cases of alcohol addiction are caused due to genetic predisposition to alcoholism. The remaining 50 percent are because of poor coping skills. Keeping it in statistical terms, the offspring of drug addicts are eight times more prone to become addicted than others. Supporting this statement, Dr. Nora Volkow, the director of national institute on drug abuse (NIDA), claimed that some individuals are genetically predisposed to addiction.
Genetic Predisposition to Depression
When it comes to treatment of major depression problems, the option lies in identifying the underlying causes and preventing them. But, the main query that lingers in the minds of physician is the genetic basis of depression. A genetic research of identical twins concluded that if one of them is depressed, the other person has 50 percent chances of getting depressed. No doubt, the gene responsible for triggering depression symptoms is identified. But, it differs from one report to another. Thus, it is still not clear as to which gene leads to depression.
Genetic Predisposition to Disease
Apart from genetic disorders, genetic predisposition to cancer, diabetes and osteoarthritis have been studied on a global scale. It is found that a person having a medical history of diabetes, either in first-degree relative (parents or siblings) or second-degree relative (uncle, aunt, cousins) is more likely to develop this blood sugar problem than others. Likewise, an individual with a genetic predisposition to lung cancer should refrain from smoking to reduce risk of developing lung carcinoma in the later stages of life.
According to scientists, genetic predisposition has both positive and negative effects. The good point is inheritance of intelligence, strong mental ability and specific talents from parents to their offspring. Whereas, tendency to develop mental disorders and medical conditions is the downside story of genetic disposition. In the concluding note, studying human genetics and identifying disposition towards a disease will surely help an individual in minimizing the risk of developing it in future.
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