Tag

Genetic Risk Factor

All articles tagged with #genetic risk factor

health2 years ago

"The Overlooked Red Flag in Assessing Heart Attack Risk, According to Doctors"

Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), a protein that can significantly increase the risk of heart attack when present in high levels in the blood, is often overlooked as a red flag for heart disease. Lp(a) causes atherosclerosis, inflammation, and increases the risk of clotting, making it a triple threat. Despite its prevalence and impact on cardiovascular health, only a small percentage of Americans have had their Lp(a) levels checked. While there is currently no therapeutic available to reduce Lp(a) levels, it is still important to test for it as it can help identify individuals at higher risk and allow for the mitigation of other cardiovascular risk factors. Researchers are actively studying Lp(a) and developing potential therapeutics to reduce its risk in the future.

health2 years ago

"The Overlooked Red Flag in Assessing Heart Attack Risk, According to Doctors"

Lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a) is a protein that significantly increases the risk of heart attack when present in high levels in the blood. Lp(a) causes atherosclerosis, inflammation, and increases the risk of clotting, making it a triple threat for heart disease. Approximately 20% of the population, particularly Black and South Asian Americans, are at risk due to Lp(a), yet fewer than 1% of Americans have had their levels checked. While there is currently no therapeutic available to directly reduce Lp(a), it is important to reduce other cardiovascular risk factors. Testing Lp(a) levels can help individuals mitigate overall risk and make informed decisions about their health. Researchers are working on developing drugs to treat high Lp(a) levels, and lipoprotein apheresis is available for a small number of high-risk patients.

health2 years ago

Gut Bacteria Identified as Key Factor in Alzheimer's Disease

A massive genome-wide association study has identified a genetic connection between specific genera of gut bacteria and a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. The study also found a link between these gut microbes and a genetic risk factor for the neurodegenerative disorder. The research highlights the interplay of genetic factors and inflammatory gut microflora in healthy brain function. Understanding the relationship between gut bacteria and Alzheimer's could lead to new treatments or prevention strategies for the disease, which is projected to affect 150 million people worldwide by the middle of the century.

health2 years ago

Neanderthal Genes Linked to Severe COVID-19 Cases

Research conducted in Italy suggests that individuals with Neanderthal gene variants are more likely to experience severe cases of COVID-19. The study examined the DNA of nearly 1,200 volunteers in the Bergamo province, an area heavily impacted by the pandemic, and found that the Neanderthal haplotype, a set of genetic variants associated with our human ancestor, is a major genetic risk factor for severe COVID-19. Those with the Neanderthal haplotype were twice as likely to develop severe pneumonia and three times as likely to require ventilation in an intensive care unit. Previous studies have also indicated a link between Neanderthal DNA and other health conditions.

health2 years ago

COVID-19 severity linked to Neanderthal genes

Research conducted in Italy suggests that Neanderthal genes could be a major genetic risk factor for severe cases of COVID-19. Scientists found that individuals with Neanderthal gene variants were more likely to be hospitalized and experience severe symptoms requiring ventilation. Previous studies have also indicated a link between Neanderthal DNA and other health conditions, such as Dupuytren's disease and an increased risk of an extreme immune response to COVID-19.

neuroscience2 years ago

Mitochondria Dysfunction: Key to Understanding Schizophrenia

Impaired mitochondrial function has been identified as a key factor in the development of schizophrenia, particularly in individuals with the genetic risk factor 3q29 deletion syndrome. This syndrome, which increases the risk of schizophrenia by 40 times, was found to exhibit alterations in mitochondrial activity in both mice models and human brain organoids. The study also highlights the role of disrupted mitochondrial function in another genetic risk factor for schizophrenia, the 22q11 deletion syndrome. These findings provide valuable insights into the neurobiology of schizophrenia and may lead to the development of more effective therapeutic strategies.

health2 years ago

Mitochondrial Dysregulation: A Key Factor in Schizophrenia Development

Researchers at Rutgers and Emory University have found that mitochondrial dysregulation may contribute to the development of schizophrenia. By studying the 3q29 deletion syndrome, a genetic risk factor for schizophrenia, researchers observed impaired mitochondrial function in both mice and human brain organoids. This dysfunction can lead to energy shortfalls in the brain, resulting in psychiatric symptoms and disorders. The findings suggest that understanding the interplay between mitochondrial dynamics and neuronal maturation is crucial for further research on schizophrenia. The study also highlights the impact of 3q29 deletion on various bodily functions, not just the brain, and emphasizes the need to unravel the contributions of individual genes within the deletion.

health2 years ago

Gut Bacteria Linked to Alzheimer's Identified in Large Study.

A study by researchers from the US has found a genetic connection between different genera of gut bacteria and a diagnosis of Alzheimer's, as well as a link between the microbes and a genetic risk factor for the neurodegenerative disorder. The study further emphasizes the interplay of genetic factors and inflammatory gut microflora in healthy brain function. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, which is projected to affect 150 million people worldwide by the middle of the century.