Epigenetics is defined as the study of the way our genes are expressed, based on our biology combined with environmental factors, such as diet and lifestyle. The video shined an important light on the way epigenetics is used in cancer treatment today. Epigenetic tags can be reorganized in place of repairing genes that are damaged. This allows the redirecting of cancer cells back to normal human cells, instead of killing these cells. Using technology in this ways minimizes potentially painful and nauseating symptoms that can be brought on by treatments such as radiation that are designed to kill the damaged cells.
After interviewing my family members, I have been able to gather which diseases I am most at risk for. On my father’s side, there is history of Osteoporosis, Type 2 Diabetes, hypertension, and high blood pressure. On my mother’s side, there is history of Osteoporosis as well as Lung Cancer. Out of these, I have deduced that I am most at risk for Osteoporosis because both of my grandmothers have it and it puts me most at risk compared to the other diseases that have been a part of my family history. Osteoporosis is a disease that affects the bones, making them weaker and more susceptible to fracture.
Osteoporosis is a disease that is progressive and deteriorates the bones over time. Because of this, there are often no signs or symptoms during the early onset of the disease. Gradually, the patient with develop a curved posture, back pain, possible fractured spine, and bones that are easily fractured. When discussing Osteoporosis and its link to epigenetics, one must keep in mind the risk factors involved in the development of this disease. Women are vastly more prone to develop this disease than men. Another risk factor is that as people age, the risk of Osteoporosis development increases as well. Statistically, it has been proven that Asian people and Caucasians are more likely to acquire this disease. Family history is a risk factor, along with a smaller body frame, having an inactive life, extreme alcohol intake, and smoking tobacco.
In the journal article titled “Epigenetic Mechanisms in Bone Biology and Osteoporosis: Can They Drive Therapeutic Choices?” beautifully describes how the genetics of an individual can aid in determining the likelihood of them experiencing bone deterioration and fractures. The authors do an excellent job of bringing light to genetic factors while refusing to ignore the obvious influence that environmental factors play in the development of any disease. Epigenetic processes, alterations, and activity has been linked to aging as well as bone metabolism. Because of this, these are the two biggest contributors to the development of Osteoporosis and further knowledge of the epigenetics of age and bone metabolism could aid in the development of treatment and prevention plans (Marini, et al. 2016).
Specifically discussed in this article is the relevance of bone turnover as it metabolizes as the central focus of Osteoporosis. Bone turnover is described as the relationship between the rate at which new bone is formed and the rate at which bone is absorbed or broken down by the body. Small changes in the genes that regulate this metabolism of the bones could have lasting effects, one of which includes the development of Osteoporosis. This journal investigates the four main processes of bone metabolism and the effects of their expression. These processes are histone acetylation/deacetylation, histone methylation/demethylation, DNA methylation, and miRNAs.
Being able to further study the processes of epigenetics in the metabolism of bone, allows for the expansion of our knowledge on how the bones are grown and maintained, as well as the pathology of Osteoporosis (Marini, et al. 2016). The vitamin calcium is often taken to treat and prevent the development of Osteoporosis. Calcium allows for more bone growth and thus, diminishes the effects brought on by onset of the disease. Many environmental factors that can change or disrupt the expression of genes and therefore, the natural processes of our bodies. These include exposure to pollution and chemicals, stress, infections, taking medications for too long, or a disproportion of nutrients, which all bring epigenetic changes in the body, increasing the risk of disease development with age.
In light of my family history, it is clear that I must enforce as many environmental influences as I can that will aid in the prevention of Osteoporosis development in my body. Because both of my grandmothers on both sides of my family have the disease, I am susceptible to its development based on my genetics alone. By living an active lifestyle, combined with making sure I get the proper nutrition to fuel my bone growth, I truly feel equipped to delay or possibly completely interrupt the onset of Osteoporosis in the future.
After taking the Living to 100 Questionnaire, I received the result that I can live to 100 years old, meaning I have 77 years left. Why stop there? Feedback was given on how to add years to my life; specifically, 11.5 years making me 111. One of these feedback tips is directly related to Osteoporosis prevention in the long-term. Taking calcium supplements, or just integrating more calcium in my diet, could potentially add about six months to my life. Increasing the number of days I exercise can also have lasting impacts on my health by adding up to five years to my life as well as preventing Osteoporosis by the implementation of weight lifting, which promotes bone generation.
Based on the valuable evidence I have gathered from a further understanding of epigenetics, the article linking it to Osteoporosis, and from the Living to 100 Questionnaire, I have found various ways that I can increase not only the quality of my life, but also the number of years I get to live my life. I have gathered that I can positively impact my life in many ways, including getting regular annual check-ups, taking calcium and iron supplements, exercising more, and practicing a more balanced nutritional lifestyle. In conclusion, although genetics may not be on my side, I can take steps myself to ensure that I minimize the chances of Osteoporosis development as well as improve my quality of life overall.