Newsletter - September 29th, 2021
Save The Date! Upcoming Workshop Event
We’re excited to announce, in partnership with Neurobiologix, a one of a kind provider workshop on February 25th, 2022 in-person here in Austin, TX and streamed virtually live. Join GX Sciences Founder and Medical Director Kendal Stewart, MD where he will provide invaluable insight into clinical case studies utilizing advanced nutrigenomic testing to enhance provider treatment protocols.
Through this event providers are able to:
- Master Nutrigenomic testing knowledge
- Review multiple case studies
- Take away modern day protocols
- And more!
Quick Lab Update – Samples collected before 2019 are being removed from storage and properly discarded. Any new testing ordered for patients with samples collected before 2019 will simply need to re-collect a sample via in-office or dropshipping.
Panel Focus: Women's Health
Why is it relevant?
September is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Awareness Month. PCOS is a hormonal disorder among women of a reproductive age. Diagnosis of PCOS, done by a licensed provider, can be made when an individual experiences 2 of the 3 common symptoms. These symptoms include irregular periods, polycystic ovaries, and excess androgen. Other symptoms of PCOS include weight gain, fatigue, unwanted hair growth, hair thinning, infertility, acne, skin darkening, mood changes, pelvic pain, headaches and sleep issues. Nearly half of the 10,000,000 individuals that have PCOS are unaware of their condition. GX Sciences strives to educate our practitioners about genetic and environmental factors that could explain symptoms associated with various female disorders.
Why is it important?
PCOS is one of the most common causes of female infertility, affecting nearly 5 million women in the United States. PCOS is a lifelong health condition that continues far beyond child-bearing years. Our comprehensive nutrigenomic panel, Women’s Health, helps providers identify underlying contributing factors to PCOS, hypothyroidism, estrogen dominant symptoms (ex. irregular menstrual cycles, fibrocystic breasts, excess facial/body hair, hair loss, mood changes), female cancers and history of miscarriage and/or fertility issues. This genetic test evaluates specific genes that involve estrogen metabolism. Hormonal issues with estrogen/progesterone balance and altered estrogen metabolism can lead to a higher risk of developing deep venous thrombosis, hypertension and altered blood pressure and fluid balance. In more severe cases, there is an increased risk for cancers, miscarriage, placental separation, pre-eclampsia and pulmonary embolisms. Genetic findings and interpretations through the GX Sciences supplementation algorithm can help determine:
- Insufficiencies in Vitamin Conversion & Delivery
- Hypertension & Clot Risks
- Issues in Estrogen Metabolism & Clearance
- Follicular Sensitivity in Ovarian Response
- Hormone Metabolism of Androgen Markers in Women
- Autophagy Consideration in Relation to Metabolic Risk Factors
Key Genes Related to Women's Health
FSHR
Roughly 6-12% of women, in the United States, have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). This means that nearly 5 million women endure PCOS, a lifelong health condition. The FSHR gene is the receptor for follitropin (follicle stimulating hormone) and functions in gonadal development. Mutations in this gene have been associated with PCOS, OHSS, estrogen dominance, premature ovarian failure and poor ovarian response. (Source 1, Source 2)
The ATG Genes
The ATG genes code for a protein complex that forms the autophagosome wall. If a patient cannot correctly develop an autophagosome, the lysosome needed to degrade the cellular waste cannot merge with the autophagosome. This leads to improper degradation of cellular debris and poor autophagy function. All three of these genes play a significant role in autophagy, and a heterozygous or homozygous SNP will decrease a patient’s autophagy status. Typically, these patients do not deliver glucose well. They may be referred to as “Hangry” Insulin resistance spurs an increase in mTOR, which can slow down autophagy, increasing cellular waste. Central insulin signaling and the regulation of autophagy are relevant to a host of diverse disorders. Studies show that autophagy can increase with the increase of glucose concentration in the cell. Poor autophagy can lead to an increased risk of insulin resistance with highly correlates with PCOS. autophagy also affects the survival of granulosa cells. Changes to natural autophagy have been found in PCOS ovaries, affecting the development of oocytes and the survival of granulosa cells. This inhibits meiosis of oocytes and granulosa cells, which in turn hinders egg maturation. (Source 1, Source 2)
ATG5 – SNPs in the ATG5 gene have been associated with numerous neurological, immunological, and endocrine syndromes. Whereas, ATG5alleles have been associated with blood pressure, insulin sensitivity, glucose homeostasis, and age-related macular degeneration.
ATG12 – ATG12 is specifically involved in turning off the innate immune response. Mutations in the ATG12 gene are predicted to lead to increased biological immune response activity and overall inflammation. Studies suggest that the significant roles of autophagy in the immune system include eliminating microbes, controlling inflammation, lymphocyte homeostasis, and the secretion of immune mediators.
ATG16L – The autophagy process plays a role within the intestinal epithelium. Mutations in the ATG16L1 gene have been associated with gastrointestinal disorders such as inflammatory bowel and Crohn’s Disease. Due to inadequate glucose delivery, you may also see an increased predisposition for DM Type 2 and fatty liver disease in these patients.
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Not registered yet? Submit our online registration form with your credentials and gain provider access
Want to learn more to see if GX Sciences testing is right for your practice? Schedule a consultation today