Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) is a condition that involves an array of environmental and biological factors. The understanding of Genetics and Gene Expression in CIRS is evolving and helping us to understand how to individualize the symptom patterns, risk for complications and response to treatment in otherwise complex patients.
Are You Genetically Predisposed to CIRS?
CIRS is primarily triggered by environmental factors such as exposure to mold or other biotoxins. The risk of developing CIRS is determined by a combination of your genetic HLA susceptibility, biotoxin exposures and your overall and accumulated stress load.
There are two groups with regards to genetic vulnerability:
Positive HLA Gene Variations on Chromosome 6: 24% of people have one or more Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) genes that are not functioning well. These people are unable to produce antibodies when exposed to a biotoxin, due to lack of handover between the innate and adaptive immune system. These people can get CIRS with very little exposure.
Negative HLA Gene Variations on Chromosome 6: These people are able to effectively make antibodies and clear biotoxin with each exposure. They are still able to get CIRS, but typically require much bigger and longer exposures to biotoxins.
You can develop CIRS at any time, from early childhood, to late adulthood. This will depend on how much exposure you’ve had, but also how much other stress has been on the body. For example, you can have an exposure but not develop CIRS and then have a traumatic life event, or another infection; which could be the final tipping point that leads you to getting CIRS.
Transcriptomics: Genetic Expression Testing in CIRS
Research clearly shows that genetics do not determine our fate. The science of epigenetics looks at how our environment can influence our genes.
GENIE is a study of the transcriptome, which is the complete set of all the ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules expressed in some given entity, such as a cell, tissue. More simply said, it tells us how your genes are being expressed in response to environmental inputs. In other words, not just looking at genes, but how they are behaving.
There is a specific fingerprint for CIRS at baseline, which changes predictably as we treat it.
GENIE gives us insights into some of the symptoms of CIRS. For example Molecular Hypometabolism, or metabolic shutdown, can be seen on GENIE and occurs due to biotoxin exposure. This leads to significant fatigue and cognitive difficulty. Treatment resolves this on GENIE and correlates with symptom improvement.
GENIE gives us new insights into whether you are currently exposed to a biotoxin or not. This is used in combination with environmental testing.
We are also able to determine risk for severity and complications of CIRS. GENIE will tell us about brain health risk, risk of blood clotting and risk of chemical sensitivity. It will also tell us about other diagnoses such as high histamine, PTSD and concurrent infections.
How does this relate to Treatment?
Genetic susceptibility ultimately helps us decide who are most vulnerable to CIRS and aids in diagnosis.
Genetic expression helps us to individualize care by establishing symptom patterns and important follow up testing that is needed. It also helps to solidify the diagnosis, monitor treatment success and establish cure.
It is imperative to manage and resolve transcriptomic changes in CIRS to ensure that no complications occur, with regards to brain health and other body systems.
Related Q&As You Need to Know
What role do genetics play in Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), and how does it impact individual susceptibility to the condition?
Genetics play a significant role in CIRS susceptibility, primarily through Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) gene variations on Chromosome 6. Positive HLA gene variations render individuals unable to produce antibodies when exposed to biotoxins, making them more vulnerable to CIRS with minimal exposure. In contrast, negative HLA gene variations allow individuals to effectively produce antibodies and clear biotoxins, though they may still develop CIRS with larger and longer exposures.
Can genetic testing help predict the risk of developing CIRS, and how does it differentiate between positive and negative HLA gene variations?
Genetic testing, particularly for HLA gene variations, can indeed predict the risk of developing CIRS. Positive HLA gene variations indicate a higher susceptibility to CIRS due to impaired antibody production upon biotoxin exposure, while negative variations suggest a relatively lower susceptibility but not immunity to the condition. These genetic factors, combined with environmental exposures and overall stress load, contribute to individualized risk assessment for CIRS.
How does transcriptomic analysis, such as the GENIE study, contribute to understanding the genetic expression in CIRS and aid in personalized treatment approaches?
Transcriptomic analysis, like the GENIE study, offers insights into genetic expression patterns in response to environmental inputs, providing a comprehensive view of how genes behave in CIRS. This analysis helps identify specific symptom patterns and predict outcomes, such as brain health risks, blood clotting tendencies, and chemical sensitivities. It also aids in tailoring personalized treatment approaches by monitoring transcriptomic changes, evaluating treatment success, and mitigating potential complications to ensure optimal management and resolution of CIRS.
EBHC Are At The Forefront Of Genetic Research
At EBHC we partner with clinicians in the field of Brain and CIRS research to continue to strive towards advancing the field of CIRS. Our goal is to produce research that is applicable to patient needs and care. As we continue to explore the genetic and transcriptomic foundations of this complex syndrome, we remain committed to updating our protocols and treatment plans to incorporate the latest scientific findings.
If you are concerned about your risk of CIRS or are interested in genetic testing, consider subscribing to our 'Truth and Trust Video Program' or booking a consultation. Let us guide you through understanding your genetic risk factors and help you take proactive steps towards maintaining your health in environments challenged by biotoxins.
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