All articles tagged with #genetic predisposition
A study presented at ENDO 2025 links common sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and glycyrrhizin to early puberty in children, especially those with genetic predispositions, highlighting potential health risks and the need for moderated intake and screening.
A study published in Neurology finds that individuals with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and a family history of mental illness are at a higher risk of aggressive behavior, particularly between ages 40 and 59. The research, involving 845 men with head injury histories, suggests that genetic predisposition combined with environmental factors increases aggression risk in CTE patients. Identifying those at higher risk could improve intervention strategies. The study highlights the importance of considering both CTE and family mental health history in assessing aggression risk.
A recent DNA study of Beethoven's hair suggests that his musical genius may have been more rooted in creativity than in innate musical ability. The study found that Beethoven's genetic predisposition for musicality was unremarkable compared to the general population, leading researchers to emphasize the challenges of making genetic predictions for an individual who lived over 200 years ago. While DNA can contribute to musical skills, relying on it to predict behavior remains imprecise. The study also shed light on Beethoven's health issues, including progressive hearing loss, chronic gastrointestinal complaints, severe liver disease, and evidence of a Hepatitis B infection before his death.
Megan Troutwine discovered she had a brain tumour after noticing her drooping eyelid in a selfie taken during a trip to New York City. Following her intuition, she sought medical advice and was diagnosed with a meningioma, leading to immediate treatment and subsequent surgeries. Her experience underscores the importance of being vigilant about health concerns, especially for individuals with genetic predispositions to cancer.
Lakeisha Brown, a busy mother of four running a catering business, discovered she had congestive heart failure at 41, despite her healthy lifestyle. Genetic predisposition played a role, as her maternal grandmother also suffered from heart failure. After struggling with ineffective treatment plans, she found relief with the Abbott HeartMate 3 LVAD device, which significantly improved her heart function. Brown now openly shares her experience to raise awareness about heart health and urges others to listen to their bodies and seek medical attention when something feels off.
Millions of Americans are genetically predisposed to high levels of a dangerous cholesterol called lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), which can lead to deadly heart attacks and strokes by middle age. Routine blood cholesterol tests do not screen for Lp(a) because there is no effective treatment for it, but several promising drugs are in clinical trials. Doctors are calling for wider testing for Lp(a) and recommend proactive prevention measures such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, even for those with elevated Lp(a) levels.
Millions of Americans are genetically predisposed to high levels of a dangerous cholesterol called lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a), which can lead to deadly heart attacks and strokes by middle age. Routine blood cholesterol tests do not screen for Lp(a) due to lack of effective treatment, but several promising drugs are in clinical trials. Doctors are calling for wider testing and proactive prevention measures, such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, for those at risk. Despite the lack of available drugs, knowing one's Lp(a) levels can be life-saving, as it can lead to more intentional diet and exercise, potentially reducing heart risks.
A study conducted by UCL, the Royal Free Hospital, the University of Oxford, and the University of Cambridge has found that the pattern of alcohol intake is a more accurate indicator of the risk of developing alcohol-related cirrhosis (ARC) than overall consumption. The study analyzed data from over 300,000 actively drinking adults and found that heavy binge drinking, genetic predisposition, and type-2 diabetes all contribute to an increased risk of ARC. The research highlights the importance of considering the pattern of drinking and genetic factors when assessing an individual's vulnerability to liver disease.
A study conducted by the University of Copenhagen in Denmark found that 10-year-old children with a genetic risk of developing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experienced a significant increase in ADHD diagnoses after the COVID-19 lockdowns. The research examined two groups of children, one in 2019 and the other in 2021, and found that those with a high genetic risk for ADHD displayed more mental health problems after the lockdown. The study suggests that genetic predisposition significantly influences mental health outcomes under stressors like lockdowns. However, the study acknowledges limitations, such as the possibility of increased parental awareness during the lockdown. The findings highlight the need for better policies to support pediatric mental health during public health emergencies.
A study led by Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine in Japan examined the relationship between screen time and genetic predispositions to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD. The researchers found that children with a higher genetic risk for ASD were more likely to use screens for longer periods, while children with ADHD tendencies gradually increased their screen time as they aged. The findings suggest that prolonged screen time may not be a cause of ASD or ADHD, but rather an early sign of these neurodevelopmental disorders.
Regular consumption of tea or coffee containing caffeine has been found to significantly reduce the risk of developing Parkinson's Disease (PD) for individuals with Asian gene variants associated with the disorder. A study involving 4,488 subjects revealed that caffeine consumers with PD gene variants have a 4-8 times lower risk of PD compared to non-caffeine drinkers with the gene. The protective benefits of caffeine appeared to increase with higher doses, but even modest consumption below 200mg per day was beneficial. The exact interaction between caffeine and Asian PD gene variants is still unknown.
A study conducted in Bergamo, Italy, has found that individuals with Neanderthal genes are more susceptible to developing severe forms of COVID-19. The study, which analyzed DNA variations in nearly 10,000 Bergamo residents, identified three genes inherited from Neanderthals that are linked to severe respiratory illness. Those carrying the Neanderthal haplotype were found to be twice as likely to develop severe pneumonia from COVID-19 and three times more likely to be hospitalized in intensive care with ventilator support. However, it remains unclear whether this haplotype is more prevalent in Bergamo or other parts of the world.
People with a genetic predisposition for napping have larger brain volumes, suggesting fewer years of brain aging compared to non-nappers, according to a study from researchers at University College London, the University of the Republic, and the Broad Institute. The study analyzed data from nearly 380,000 participants and found a correlation between genetic markers for habitual napping and increased brain volume. However, the causal relationship between napping and brain health remains unclear, and more research is needed to understand the potential cognitive benefits and long-term effects of napping.
A study published in Translational Psychiatry found that people who spent an average of 1.5 hours per day exposed to outside light had the lowest risk of depression regardless of their genetic predisposition for depression. People who spent more or less time outside had higher risks of depression. The study analyzed data from the UK Biobank project and found that the lowest risk of depression was found in individuals who spent 1.5 hours per day outside on average, which equated to 1 hour per day in winter and 2 hours per day in summer. Lack of outdoor light exposure can reduce the production of vitamin D, which has been associated with depression and its seasonal patterns.
Poor quality sleep may double the risk of asthma diagnosis by increasing genetic susceptibility, according to a UK Biobank study. The study included 455,405 participants aged 38-73, whose sleep patterns and genetic asthma risk scores were analyzed. People with high genetic risk and poor sleep patterns were 122% more likely to be diagnosed with asthma than those with a low genetic risk and a healthy sleep pattern. Early detection and treatment of sleep disorders could help reduce asthma risks, irrespective of genetic predisposition. A healthy sleep pattern seems to be linked to a lower risk of asthma, prompting the researchers to suggest that spotting and treating sleep disorders early on might lessen the risks, irrespective of genetic predisposition.