Gene testing and LS

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I have been researching the defect I may have in my genes. It is complicated, but it would appear that the B vitamins and Folates are not being used properly within the body thus causing problems with one's health. One of these problems is with inflamatory conditions and auto immune conditions, Arthritis and Asthma are cited but I couldnt see any others identified.

I imagine that as gene testing is very new, gyneacologists and dermatologists havent  checked this aspect of medicine to relate conditons like LS to defects, in the gene. Should we be asking for this at the check up clinics we visit? We do need to raise awareness

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  • Posted

    Hi sue..We are a product of our genes ,are we not!

    An interesting research at Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center, Immunology Division......

    Researching sex bias autoimmunity.

    Women are protected by estrogen against infectious diseases making them less susceptible than men to infectious diseases but estrogen is a double edged sword evoking higher incidents of autoimmune diseases in women than men.

    Immune regulating gene (TLRs) becomes more active in the presence of estrogen.

    They tested a theory by stimulating(TLR8X) chromosone linked gene resulting in an immune response in both men and women; elavation in women responding 9x higher than men.

    Very interesting as LS is considered an autoimmune disorder.

    Also interesting that several autoimmune disorders run along together most commonly in women.

    Could it be an estrogen connection in LS and are we possibly estrogen dominant putting our immune system into disarray!

    Certainly immune disorders in women are on the increase...why!

    Are we being over loaded with estrogens from birth control pills,( hrt, environmental sources eg. plastic container, food, even the water we drink.( all of these contain synthetic estrogens) and synthetic hormones hang around in our bodies

    Big bad STRESS...under stress added cortisol is made from progesterone the balancer to estrogen, this also pushes up estrogen dominance.

    A lot is spoked about using estrogens but are we unwittingly adding to the problem systemically.

    Maybe, progesterone should be given more attention!

    I think I should get my hormone levels checked!  

      

     

    • Posted

      That was extremely interesting

      I have mentioned in previous threads that when i was diagnosed i was told that a sudden change in hormone levels can precipate LS- i was suddenly removed from a high dose HRT to a mirena coil because of a uterine polyp that bled a LOT while under an intense stressful period- i had the full pack of stressors at the time - so the cortisols were working overtime

      I reverted back to my normal HRT - with progesterone and the symptoms  lessened- ie the pain loss of skin bleeding of raw skin on vulva - i was celibate at the time -ie  no friction The clobetasol took several months to work and i was discharge as the conditon was quiescent!

      I am also convinced that sleep patterns have a relationship with - a) cortisol levels and b) The Itch!

      I will look at the site later this weekend

      Thank you for your information

      One bright ish aspect i have the A1298c defect not the T676 defect- if indeed i do have any fault at all! Me? i thought i was perfect!!!!

      I am crossing fingers my mother had been a naughty girl and  i have a different father to my sister!

    • Posted

      Most interesting thoughts.  I'm on estrogen and progesterone.  And do well by it.  Mind you, it's a very small dose.  

      I think it is a very good idea to have the estrogen and progesterone level checked.  

    • Posted

      For sure sue, progesterone is the calming hormone helping with sleep patterns and estrogen is the excitor.

      I suggested to my consultant that I thought 17yrs. on HRT could be responsible for my LS but I didn't get much response to that comment, 

      My belief is hormone therapy contains mega amounts of hormones compared to what the body produces which overrides any natural production and over an extended period of time the hormone receptors adjust to this higher level becoming hormone resisstant.

      Much in the same way that high levels of circulating insulin leads to insulin ressistance.

      Coming of HRT my altered hormone receptors may not have re-adjusted to the lowered levels of my natural hormone production, hence the beginning of my problems with LS and ezcema.

      I think prescribed steroid hormones without correct hormone level testing for what is required happens all to often as in my case.

      I am very wary now of too readily prescibed steroid treatments without adequate testing.

      I am from a large faily of 4boys and 4 girls.

      Myself and sisters had each been years on hormone treatments and are now all postmenopausal.

      We each have autoimmune disorders.

      Myself...LS and ezcema.

      Sister (1... Breast cancer and diabetic.

      Sister (2 ...LS and ezcema.

      Sister (3...Hyothyroidism and pernicious anemia.

      My 4 brothers have no autoimmune diseases between them.

      I think that has to say something!!

       

    • Posted

      hanny, these days I am very nervous about steroid hormone treatments.
    • Posted

      I'm just reading that, Norma.  With me - there are no hormone producers left, so a little bit on the skin down below, estrogen, and progesterone oral, won't soon do any harm - is my thinking at present.  (I have none of my female organs left)  And since the time I'm doing this I do better.   I opted for the most natural kind (according to my naturepath.)  
  • Posted

    Agree with you, we do need more awareness. I'm a geneticist and would love to see more studies done with LS.  BTW I've had LS for 8 years and vitamine D defiency.

    Doesn't matter how much sun I get or whatever supplements I take I can't increase vit D.  Genetic?  You bet it is.  All the correspondence about vit B complex and folic acid not being utilized in one's body goes back to genetics.  Gene therapy one day will come.  More stem cell research needed.  In the mean time, my doc reccomands

    Benedryl at night before bed.  Zytec during the day.  Antihistamines have help me atleast during flare ups.  Yes, I've used clobestasol but sparingly as it does thin your skin which results in tares.  Destine and A & D ointments are my best friends. 

     

    • Posted

      So do you have a "defective" gene? I am likely to have MTHFR 1298c homogyous. I am waiting for my GP to contact me - he hadn't heard of the test, has no idea of the implications for me, nor how to get me tested, inspire if me telling him where I could be referred for further advice / testing. My sister in Oz was advised to sit in the sun naked!

      I haven't had any problems with  clobetasol, unless I don't use it

      where are you?

    • Posted

      I have been looking at various presentations on the web  by specialists in the methylation cycle, and there are some supplements that may be helpful, but one does need to have details of ones individual results to ensure a therapeutic intervention. Interestingly the chemical folic acid is NOT good as it can't be processed by the body and gets stored in the organs with the possibility of cancer.  more thought needs to be given about adding folic acid to bread. 

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