Genetics And Disease

Genetics And Disease
The relationship between genetics and disease has been proven to be too close even in the case of diseases which are not directly hereditary. It has been verified that the genetic composition of an individual influences their susceptibility to infections. Incase a patient is already infected; their ability to heal is also determined greatly by their genetics. Genetic disorders are mainly classified into two main categories. These are Mendelian and complex genetic disorders. Mendelian disorders are predictable genetic based complications which have predictable development patterns such as sickle-cell disease among others. A patient with these mutative genes only needs a causative gene to develop the full genetic based disorder

Contrary to Mendelian genetic disorders, complex genetic disorders are much difficult to predict. This is because they do not develop in a definite pattern that can help doctors in projecting the potential risks and when or how they are likely to grow into their full potential. Complex genetic disorders are responsible for conditions such as are witnessed in cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and psychiatric disorders. Most cancers are also caused by these types of genes. As much as the genetics play a role in the development of these diseases, it is not directly linked to the development of the disease. Other factors such as the environment and other exposures influence the growth of the disease.

What relationships exist between diseases and genes?

Other than Mendelian genetic disorders which have direct influence on the disease, telling the direct link between genetics and the disease in terms of complex genetic disorders can be too costly and complicated. This factor has made many people to rely on symptoms to diagnose the disease as opposed to using genetics to fore tell. Before doctors can embark on the search of a specific gene supposedly influencing the development of a disease, they must employ the use of several methods that can help in establishing the possibility of the person developing the disease. Familial aggregation is one method that can be used to evaluate this. This method relies on family history in relation to the disease. If several family members show traces of the gene and subsequent development of the related disease, then the chances of the said family member also taking the same route are high. It is from this point that the doctors should proceed in search of the exact gene responsible for the disease.

It is quite clear that although the genes play an important role in determining the trend and development of a disease and even in some cases, the severity of the disease. The main reasons that trigger the onset of the disease may however be more linked to environmental situations or exposure to infections in cases such as tuberculosis and other cancers.