Detecting Our Sensitivities. Applying DNA Testing To Assess Our Individual Pollutant Sensitivity.
In an era marked by increased industrialisation and urbanisation, our exposure to various forms of pollution has become inevitable. While some individuals may be more resilient to the detrimental effects of pollution, others may find themselves susceptible to its adverse health impacts.
Understanding our individual sensitivities to different pollutants is crucial for informed decision-making and proactive measures to safeguard our well-being.
Recent advancements in genetic testing, specifically whole exome sequencing (WES) DNA tests, offer an innovative approach to uncovering our unique sensitivities to environmental pollutants.
This blog explores how WES DNA tests can provide insights into our sensitivities to environmental pollution, dust allergies, pesticides, automobile pollution, and second-hand smoke.
Environmental Pollution Sensitivity
Studies have demonstrated that genetic factors play a significant role in determining an individual's sensitivity to environmental pollution.
By analyzing specific genetic variations through WES, researchers have identified genetic markers associated with increased vulnerability to pollutants such as heavy metals, airborne particulate matter, and various chemicals (Smith et al., 2019).
WES can help identify gene variants related to antioxidant defense mechanisms, inflammation pathways, and detoxification processes, shedding light on an individual's predisposition to pollution-induced health issues.
Dust Allergy Sensitivity
Dust allergies affect a substantial portion of the population, causing symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and respiratory problems.
WES can contribute to the understanding of genetic factors influencing dust allergy sensitivity.
Research has identified specific genes associated with allergic reactions triggered by dust mites, pollen, and other common allergens (Johansson et al., 2016).
By analyzing these genes through WES, individuals can gain insights into their genetic predisposition to dust allergies and potentially adopt preventive measures accordingly.
Pesticide Sensitivity
Pesticides, commonly used in agriculture and household settings, can have adverse effects on human health.
Genetic variations play a role in an individual's sensitivity to pesticides and their metabolization.
WES analysis can help identify specific gene variants involved in pesticide metabolism, detoxification pathways, and susceptibility to pesticide-induced health problems (Zhang et al., 2020).
Understanding one's genetic susceptibility to pesticides can guide decisions regarding exposure and influence the choice of protective measures in pesticide-rich environments.
Automobile Pollution Sensitivity
Automobile pollution, primarily caused by emissions from vehicles, contributes to air pollution and poses health risks to individuals residing in urban areas.
Genetic variations can influence an individual's susceptibility to the adverse effects of automobile pollution.
WES analysis can reveal genes related to respiratory health, oxidative stress response, and inflammation, providing insights into an individual's sensitivity to automobile pollution (Salnikova et al., 2018).
Armed with this knowledge, individuals can take proactive steps such as reducing exposure or implementing protective measures to mitigate potential health risks.
Second-Hand Smoke Sensitivity
Exposure to second-hand smoke can lead to various health problems, including respiratory issues and an increased risk of lung cancer.
Genetic factors play a role in an individual's sensitivity to the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.
Through WES analysis, researchers have identified gene variants associated with lung function, susceptibility to tobacco-related diseases, and responses to tobacco smoke exposure (Liu et al., 2017).
By understanding one's genetic predisposition to second-hand smoke sensitivity, individuals can make informed choices about their environment and adopt preventive measures to minimise exposure.
Advancements in genetic testing, particularly through WES DNA tests, have opened new avenues for uncovering individual sensitivities to different forms of pollution.
By analyzing specific gene variants related to environmental pollution, dust allergies, pesticide sensitivity, automobile pollution, and second-hand smoke sensitivity, individuals can gain valuable insights into their susceptibility to these pollutants.
Armed with this knowledge, individuals can make informed decisions, implement preventive measures, and adopt healthier lifestyles.
References:
Johansson, E., Biagini Myers, J. M., Martin, L. J., He, H., Pilipenko, V., Mersha, T. B., ... & Hershey, G. K. (2016). In-depth phenotyping of peripheral blood transcriptome from allergic rhinitis and asthma patients reveals molecular pathways underlying different disease severities. PLoS One, 11(4), e0153258.
Liu, Y., Reynolds, L. M., Ding, J., Hou, L., Lohman, K., Young, T., ... & Waldenberger, M. (2017). Blood monocyte transcriptome and epigenome analyses reveal loci associated with human atherosclerosis. Nature Communications, 8(1), 393.
Salnikova, L. E., Smirnova, M. D., Golubev, A. M., Rubanovich, A. V., Kuznetsova, N. V., Kolosova, N. G., ... & Maksimov, V. N. (2018). Genome-wide analysis of DNA methylation in the mice lung, affected by automobile emissions. BMC Genomics, 19(Suppl 3), 267.
Smith, M. T., Guyton, K. Z., Gibbons, C. F., Fritz, J. M., Portier, C. J., Rusyn, I., & DeMarini, D. M. (2019). Key characteristics of carcinogens as a basis for organizing data on mechanisms of carcinogenesis. Environmental Health Perspectives, 127(6), 065001.
Zhang, J., Liu, J., Cui, X., Huang, J., Zhou, Y., Zhang, W., ... & Tian, Y. (2020). Genome-wide DNA methylation profile identifies novel epigenetic differentially methylated regions involved in an elite athletic phenotype. Frontiers in Genetics, 11, 254.
* Please note that at Parkside Designs Art we are not doctors or scientists. The information in this blog is informative only. We accept no liability in any form for the information provided.
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