8.3) Inflammation Response
Inflammation is part of the immune system and is the body’s way of protecting itself. Your immune system is how your body recognizes and defends itself against bacteria, viruses, and substances that appear foreign and harmful. Your immune system recognizes matter within your body that is non-self (invading bacteria and viruses) as well as matter that is altered-self (tumors and cancers). It also dictates the way in which your body reacts in order to rid itself of them. The signs and symptoms of inflammation show that the body is trying to heal itself. When your immune system is overactive, autoimmune diseases can occur, in which your body begins to attack its own cells. Your immune system is also involved with allergic reactions; in this case an extreme immune response is triggered by a specific allergen.
The genes we examine in these panels manage how effectively your immune system fights inflammation, infection, and tumors.
Keep in mind that your genetic predisposition is not the only contributing factor. You can support your immune system by following healthy living strategies such as:
- Eating fruits, vegetables and whole grains and avoiding saturated fat.
- Exercising regularly, for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.
- Maintaining a healthy weight, refer to your body mass index to determine what weight is healthy for you.
- Controlling your blood pressure.
- Getting enough sleep.
- Washing your hands frequently, especially after visiting high traffic areas.
- Avoid smoking.
8.3.1 Inflammatory Immune Response
How effectively your immune system fights inflammation
Inflammation is a fundamental immune response that protects the body against something harmful or irritating. The activation of innate/inflammatory immunity is mediated by interleukin cytokines in our body; IL1, IL6, and TNF.
The interleukin genes encode pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines involved in regulating inflammation. Cytokines regulate responses to infection, immune responses, inflammation, and trauma, they are secreted by virtually all immune cells. Some cytokines act to promote inflammation (pro-inflammatory), whereas others serve to reduce inflammation and promote healing (anti-inflammatory). If you have an excess of inflammation you may be prone to autoimmune diseases. If you do not have enough inflammation your body may not efficiently respond to cancer causing agents and abnormal cells. A balance of interleukins is crucial for optimal health.
Interleukin-1A (IL1A), Interleukin-1B (IL1B), and Interleukin-6 (IL6) are pro-inflammatory cytokines. Individuals who have variations in these genes may experience an imbalance in serum concentration of interleukins. This has been correlated with negative clinical prognosis in some types of cancer, systemic inflammation and diseases like arthritis, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, increased body mass index, celiac disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
In Asian and African populations, IL6 Immune Response is almost always the GG genotype which is associated with increased inflammation. Please take this into account when reviewing your results (genotypes listed on back page). Further, for IL6 Osteoarthritis Susceptibility the majority of people will carry the allele that confers increased inflammation. A single increased inflammation SNP may not cause an issue. However, if you have several increased inflammation variations you may wish to contact your health care provider to set up a preventative health care plan.
If you have variations in this panel, you may want to consider the following to improve your health:
- Consider taking immune boosters such a vitamin C, D or medicinal mushrooms (reishi, cordyceps, turkey tail).
- Consume foods that fight inflammation including pepper, ginger, turmeric, garlic, onions, olive oil, fish oil, berries, and nuts.
- Increase your physical activity.
- Consider taking probiotics.
- Talk to your healthcare provider about statin therapy if you are at risk of cardiovascular disease.
Some examples of genes that have been associated with inflammation are:
IL1A: Plays one of the central roles in the regulation of the immune responses. Its biological effects result from their ability to modulate gene expression in their target cells.
IL1B: Increased production of IL1B causes a number of different auto-inflammatory syndromes.
IL6: Involved in regulation of inflammation and immune response in the body.
8.3.2 Inflammatory Tumor Response
How effectively your immune system fights acute inflammatory diseases
Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNFA) is a cell signaling protein which encodes a classic pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in the regulation of immune cells. Some cytokines act to make disease worse (pro-inflammatory), whereas others serve to reduce inflammation and promote healing (anti-inflammatory). The TNFA is stimulated by many external and internal agents and secreted by various cells of the innate immune system. TNFA is able to cause fever, cell death, cachexia (syndrome involving loss of muscle and weight) and inflammation. It can also inhibit tumorigenesis (formation of cancer) and the formation of biological viruses during an infection.
Variations in this gene result in dysregulation of TNFA production, including overproduction of TNFA. In particular, TNFA is shown to be associated with age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, frailty, depression, and cancer—all of which are highly prevalent during aging.
Changes in the regulation of TNFA have been linked to a number of inflammatory diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Crohn’s disease, kidney diseases, arthritis, celiac disease, and psoriasis. TNFA production is increased in oxidative stress, chronic antigenic stimulation, cytomegalovirus infection (a common virus), visceral adiposity (a component of total body fat), and insulin resistance. Thus, the regulation and control of this vital molecule may be a key to aging and age-related pathologies.
C-reactive protein (CRP) recognizes foreign pathogens and damaged cells and initiates their elimination, increasing protein level in plasma greatly during acute phase response to tissue injury, infection, or other inflammatory stimuli. Elevated levels of CRP independently predict increased risk of development of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, myocardial infarction, and stroke. CRP is a biomarker of inflammation with predictive value for cardiac events.
If you have a variation in this panel, you may want to consider the following to improve your health:
- Select dietary options that reduce inflammation including fish, berries, leafy green vegetables, and ginger.
- Include omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E through diet and supplements, which provide anti-inflammatory effects.
- Supplement with vitamin A. Retinoids from vitamin A have been associated with a reduction in local inflammatory response via their inhibitory action on TNF.
- Minimize pro-inflammatory dietary options, such as high-glycemic foods, processed foods and fast foods.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen can reduce inflammation, consult with your health care professional before introducing these drugs.
Some examples of genes that have been associated with acute inflammatory diseases are:
TNFA: Stimulates the immune system in response to inflammatory factors present during infections.
CRP: Recognizes foreign pathogens and damaged cells and initiates their elimination, increasing protein level in plasma greatly during acute phase response to tissue injury, infection, or other inflammatory stimuli.