Genetic susceptibility is part of the picture in autoimmune diseases. Genes combine with environmental factors, such as toxins, pathogens, diet, and lifestyle, for most autoimmune diseases.
Understanding the genetic variants that you carry may help you to find the solutions that work for you. Learn how your genes impact different biological pathways involved in autoimmune conditions.
Where to start?
Members: The Autoimmune Topic Summary Report gives you an overview of all your genetic variants related to autoimmune diseases.
Celiac disease is caused by a combination of environmental factors (eating gluten, other factors) and having the genetic variants that cause susceptibility to the disease. Without the genetic susceptibility, you won’t have celiac.
The thyroid is a master regulator controlling many of your body’s systems. It is integral for metabolism and body temperature. Learn more about specific thyroid-related variants and check your genetic raw data.
The HLA-B27 serotype is linked to an increased risk of several autoimmune diseases, including ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and IBD.
Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a genetic condition of inflammatory episodes that cause painful joints, pain in the abdomen, or pain in the chest. It is most often accompanied by a fever. FMF is often misdiagnosed as various pain-related conditions such as fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, or gouty arthritis.
The use of low dose naltrexone (LDN) can be an effective treatment for some autoimmune diseases, pain syndromes, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Learn how this opioid antagonist works on the immune system and how your genetics can play a part in its efficacy.
MS susceptibility is linked to both genetic causes and environmental factors. Learn how those two combine – and possible solutions.
What is Breast Implant Illness (BII)? Learn more about this illness, its research, and possible genetic connections to autoimmune conditions.
Are you dealing with dry eyes and dry mouth? Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that affects moisture-producing glands. Discover the underlying causes of Sjögren’s syndrome and the genetic variants that increase susceptibility.
Pernicious anemia is a B-12 deficiency anemia caused by an autoimmune attack on the cells that produce intrinsic factor. Learn how genes impact susceptibility to pernicious anemia.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune-like disorder in which the immune system attacks the hair follicle. Learn about the triggers of alopecia areata, why the hair falls out, genetic variants that increase susceptibility, and possible treatment options.
Do your fingertips turn white and blue when cold? Discover the causes and symptoms of Raynaud’s syndrome and your genetic susceptibility.
Do you feel lightheaded when you stand? Does your heart suddenly race? POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) is a problem with the way that your autonomic nervous system regulates heart rate.
There are multiple triggers or root causes of this syndrome, and genetic variants can increase your risk for POTS.
This article dives into the research on Guillain-Barré syndrome, explaining the course of the disease, and covering the genetic variants that increase the relative risk of this serious autoimmune disease.
The IL17 gene codes for an important part of the immune system. When it is overactive, IL-17 can contribute to the risk of autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Inclusion body myositis is a progressive, chronic condition that causes muscle weakness. It may be an interplay between inflammation, the dysregulation of proteins, mitochondrial dysfunction, and changes to autophagy. Somewhere in the mix, autoimmunity may be triggering it.
A look into the research-backed studies showing how certain vaccines may slightly increase the absolute risk of autoimmune diseases in susceptible individuals. (Member’s article)
The PTPN22 gene plays a pivotal role in that balance, and genetic variants (SNPs) in PTPN22 increase your risk of autoimmune conditions such as vitiligo, alopecia, RA, type 1 diabetes, and autoimmune thyroid diseases. (Member’s article)
Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an immune system attack on the joints, causing thickening and inflammation of the joint capsule. It is caused by a combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental triggers.
The CTLA4 gene codes for a protein that is important in the immune system. It acts as a checkpoint that can downregulate your immune system response. Genetic variants in the CTLA4 gene can increase your risk for several different autoimmune diseases. (Member’s article)
Lupus is a complex autoimmune disease that can impact several different systems in your body. Learn more about how your genetic variants impact the “why” for this autoimmune disease.
Genetics plays a role in both Meniere’s disease and tinnitus. Understanding your genetic susceptibility may help point you to the right solutions.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes dry, sometimes itchy patches of skin. It is caused by the immune system attacking your skin cells, speeding up the turnover of the cells. Genetics plays a role in your susceptibility.
Just like you need to take out the trash and recycle your plastics and cans, your body also needs to clean up cellular waste and recycle proteins. This process is called autophagy, and it is incredibly important in preventing the diseases of aging. (Member’s article)