Genetic testing now exists for major risk areas of chronic disease including heart disease; diabetes; cancers including many female reproductive system cancers;  mental illnesses;  nervous system illnesses such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s  or dementia;  inflammatory diseases such as asthma, eczema, or bowel diseases; and  osteoporosis. 

In 1990, scientists around the world began work on the Human Genome Project which was one of the most ambitious research projects in scientific history. The aim, to map our the human genetic code finished in 2003, and since then, the scientific and medical world has been buzzing with new discoveries almost daily.

Although our genetic code is made up of about 25,000 genes, most of the genes are identical in all of us.  Only about 3% of genes give us our unique attributes such as height, hair colour and build.  This 3% not only changes the way we look but also the way we function internally. 

Our metabolism, detoxification, digestion – in fact all of our internal functions are also likely to vary as part of this 3% lottery.   Mostly the variations aren’t completely different genes, but just portions of a gene.  One single genetic building block will be changed for another. These are called Single Nucleotide Poly-morphisms, or SNP’s (snips) for short.  You may know that the gene is a blueprint for a protein.  With a SNP you may make a very slightly different protein, in which case the protein may do its job better, worse or the same. 

Our SNPS and the resulting proteins can affect how we develop diseases, or respond to pathogens, chemicals, drugs, and vaccines; or even how our nutrition requirements might vary.

At present, much research is centered on how SNPs will affect disease expression.  For example, a protein called TNF regulates inflammation in the body.  It has been found that certain SNP’s will increase the risk of certain inflammatory diseases occurring. Understanding that, particularly in context with family history of inflammatory diseases such as asthma, heart disease or bowel diseases gives us the ability to pre-empt disease by introducing clients to preventative measures such as implementing an anti-inflammatory diet.

Each test comes with specific advice for dietary or lifestyle changes, foods or medicines to avoid, or even specific supplementation that can reduce the risks associated with your test results, giving you the power to beat your genes and take charge of your health.   For example, if TNF were overproduced as a result of some SNP’s some medicinal mushrooms are considered a promoter of TNF, which may be wise to avoid in the diet, whereas the hormone DHEA will inhibit it, in such a case, stress management (which improves DHEA levels) or a supplement of DHEA may be useful.

Genetic testing at TRIA, is aimed to empower our clients to proactively manage health risks.  Rather than worry about family history, or living in fear of a future illness (which causes stress, lowers DHEA and may result in higher TNF) a one time only simple blood test or mouthwash rinse can bring peace of mind and a sense of empowerment for a lifetime.

● Heart DNA is a RISK oriented test, which looks for genes that regulate blood pressure, cholesterol balance, nutrient metabolism, inflammation and oxidation.  All these are key issues in the progression of heart disease, and stroke.  This report includes guidance on medication and dietary changes required to minimise risks for disease.

● Cancer DNA is a GENE SPECIFIC test that looks for genes that cause cancer under certain circumstances.   When metabolic, detoxification, or other processes fail within the body, these genes may cause cancers to occur.  Having these genes does not mean that cancer is certain.  There are many processes within the body that suppress and kill cancer cells, and by optimising supporting systems and metabolic processes the risk of cancer may be minimised.  This test looks for the risk of 77 specific cancers.

● Diabetes DNA is a GENE SPECIFIC test that looks for genes associated with development of Type 2 Diabetes.  When metabolic, detoxification, diet or other triggers are present these genes may cause diabetes to develop.  Having these genes does not mean that Type 2 Diabetes will occur, however management of underlying triggers, diet are important management tools to prevent Diabetes and complications from diabetes from developing. 

● Alzheimer's DNA is a RISK oriented test that looks for genes that regulate neurological (nerve / brain) function.  By assessing important genes involved in nerve function, neurotransmitter function, and detoxification processes essential to maintaining nerve function, this test assesses RISK for degenerative disorders (such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's etc) developmental issues, and mood disorders.

Case Study:

James, a 37 years old smoker came to us with concerns over a family history of cancer.

His genetic tests showed most genes in his phase I detox pathways were normal, with three polymorphisms detected in the others.  These polymorphisms were involved in the metabolism of estrogen and chemicals like pollution, and detoxification of certain drugs including nicotine. 

As such, preventative advice for James included to stop smoking, and to avoid certain medications such as H2 blockers.  Should James ever need long term medications the dosage may need to be reduced as he was less efficient at the first phase of detoxification.  This should help to prevent unwanted medication side effects. 

Addtionally, certain vegetables would be able to push his Phase I detox slightly faster, as would an extract from one of these, Indole 3 Carbinol, which was added to his multivitamin prescription via TRIA’s compounding pharmacy.  All these measures would help prevent a backlog of toxins from building up.

James’ phase II pathways also carried some polymorphisms, that increased his risks to some cancers.  In particular the results showed that James clearly needed to give up smoking, and that he would benefit from specific supplements that would help support his internal antioxidant pathways.   It also showed that grapefruit juice should be avoided, as it is a known inhibitor of some detox pathways, which were already likely to be under-functioning. 

James now had a much more precise idea of what his body was able to withstand, and what it couldn’t.  Additionally, he could see the value of some dietary changes, and of taking a regular daily supplement that would support his body’s detox and antioxidant ability.


Further information please call TRIA Customer Care at 0 2660 2602 or 3rd Floor TRIA Healthcare