Understand Genetic Risk Factors. Plan Health Care.

Tumor diseases

Disease-causing changes in the genome of individual cells play a decisive role in cancer development. These genetic changes can be triggered by external factors, such as exposure to radiation and smoking. However, disease onset can also be caused by inborn alterations in the genotype, most of which are inherited. In the ‘tumor diseases’ module of our Disease Prevention Panel, 42 genes are analyzed that are associated with an increased susceptibility to tumor diseases. For example, we investigate genes that are particularly relevant to digestive tract tumors (various forms of colorectal cancer, stomach cancer, and pancreatic cancer), breast cancer, ovarian cancer, skin cancer, thyroid tumors, and endocrine tumors.

If our Disease Prevention Panel reveals an increased risk for a specific type of cancer, then appropriate action will be advised. In the event of disease onset, relevant treatment can be provided in a timely manner.

Cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases are the number one cause of death globally. The chance of developing heart disease increases with age and in addition certain genetic factors also increase the risk. Disease-causing changes in the genome can functionally disrupt the structure of the heart muscle (e.g. in cardiac myopathies). They can also impair the function of ion channels in the heart, which are important for transmitting electrical signals to the heart muscle. This can cause cardiac arrhythmia. Furthermore, pathogenic genetic changes increase the risk of cardiac death by enlarging vessels, splitting vascular walls, or tearing vessels. Identifying these pathogenic changes will ensure that appropriate measures can be taken.

The ‘cardiovascular diseases’ module of our Disease Prevention Panel analyzes 68 genes that are involved in cardio-vascular function. Pathogenic changes in these genes tell our doctors whether closer monitoring, lifestyle changes, or therapy are necessary.

Thrombosis and coagulation disorders

Genetic factors can disrupt blood clotting (coagulation). This can cause blood to clot within a vessel (thrombosis), eventually blocking the vessel entirely and possibly causing stroke. Hereditary forms of thrombosis strongly increase the risk of leg vein thrombosis, stroke, pulmonary embolism, and miscarriage. Abnormal coagulation also causes haemophilia (easy and prolonged bleeding). This is caused by a genetic defect that deletes a blood clotting factor. In haemophilic individuals, blood takes much longer to clot, or does not clot at all. This means that even minor injuries or interventions can cause extensive bleeding in joints and tissues, leading to severe blood loss.

The ‘thrombosis and coagulation disorders’ module of the CeGaT Disease Prevention Panel analyzes 17 genes associated with coagulation disorders. If genetic risk factors for coagulation disorders are identified, then an attending physician will take appropriate precautions.

Iron and copper storage disorders

These hereditary diseases are characterized by the accumulation of iron or copper in the body. Usually, ingested iron and copper are removed by the liver. But in individuals with iron and copper storage disorders, the liver is unable to do this. As a result, iron and copper are steadily absorbed through the intestine instead of being properly excreted. Excessive amounts of iron and copper accumulate in organs and tissues, causing damage and discomfort. Our genetic analysis can reveal a predisposition to iron and copper storage disorders even before the onset of symptoms.

In the ‘iron and copper storage disorders’ module of our Disease Prevention Panel, six genes involved in copper and iron metabolism are analyzed. Disease causing changes in these genes will be identified and appropriate measures will be taken to prevent disease related damage.

Hypercholesterolaemia

Familial hypercholesterolaemia is a hereditary disturbance of lipid metabolism. In 85%-90% of cases this is caused by a mutation in the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor (docking site for LDL on cells) gene, which increases blood lipid LDL cholesterol by 2-10 times the normal value. This increases the amount of LDL deposited in blood vessels (vascular calcification), which increases the risk of heart attack.

Familial hypercholesterolaemia is thought to occur in 1:500 individuals, but only 15% of cases are actually diagnosed. In young individuals, it is usually only diagnosed after a heart attack. Other diagnostic factors include frequent familial heart attacks, xanthomas (nodular fat deposits in the skin), and strongly elevated LDL cholesterol levels in the blood.

In the ‘hypercholesterolaemia’ module of the CeGaT Disease Prevention Panel, four disease-relevant genes are analyzed, including genes that encode the LDL receptor and proteins that affect LDL receptor function. Early diagnosis means LDL cholesterol can be reduced by early interventions and lifestyle changes that reduce vascular deposits, thereby lowering the risk of heart attack.

Statins lower blood lipid levels. In our supplementary modules ‘pharmacogenetics’ we can test how effective statin therapy will be (e.g. at lowering the blood cholesterol level). This knowledge allows the attending physician to tailor the drug dose to each individual.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma (Green Star) is one of the commonest causes of blindness worldwide. Glaucomas often develop with age and without a specific reason. Degeneration of retinal cells during the course of the disease irreversibly damages the visual field.

Risk factors for glaucoma include higher inner-eye pressure, ethnic origin, diabetes, chronic eye infections, or cardio-vascular diseases. Around 5% of glaucomas are caused by inherited genetic changes that induce disease onset from 35 years of age. In the ‘glaucoma’ module of our Disease Prevention Panel, three genes are tested that are known to cause glaucoma.

If the test reveals an elevated risk of glaucoma, then further monitoring is recommended to ensure that appropriate treatments are initiated as soon as they are necessary. The earlier glaucoma is detected, the better the prognosis and the sooner the appropriate therapy can be initiated to slow down or even stop disease progression.

Malignant hyperthermia / anaesthesia intolerance

Malignant hyperthermia is characterized by a life threatening response to anaesthesia. In the presence of certain genetic risk factors, anaesthetics or muscle relaxants disrupt calcium metabolism in the muscle. This disruption causes muscles to cramp and become rigid. As a result, the blood pressure and body temperature are increased. If these symptoms are not treated quickly, the patient will die from metabolic and organ failure.

This inherited disease is usually recognized for the first time when anaesthetics or muscle relaxants cause a life threatening situation. However, a well-tolerated response to anaesthesia does not exclude a predisposition to malignant hyperthermia because patients can undergo an average of three narcoses before disease onset.

The ‘malignant hyperthermia’ module of CeGaT’s Disease Prevention Panel tests two genes that are responsible for more than 70% of malignant hyperthermia cases. Diagnosing a predisposition to malignant hyperthermia before a surgical intervention means that the individual can be anaesthetized in a way that will not trigger an unfavorable reaction.