DNA methylation is a natural process where a small chemical group, called a methyl group (written as CH₃), gets attached to a specific part of your DNA called a CpG site. This usually happens on a building block of DNA called cytosine. When the methyl group attaches to cytosine, it creates a slightly altered version called 5-methylcytosine. According to the NIH, even though this change doesn’t alter the DNA sequence itself, it can affect how genes are turned on or off, like putting a “mute” button on certain instructions in your DNA. To identify how this DNA methylation may be treated, let’s check what is Genetic Methylation Testing.

Genetic methylation testing is an advanced diagnostic tool that examines DNA modifications influencing gene expression without altering the underlying genetic code. This process, known as DNA methylation, plays a crucial role in regulating various biological functions and can be assessed to understand an individual’s health risks and needs.

Interesting Fact:

Approximately 44% of the world population has a mutation in the MTHFR gene. This mutation can impact how your body absorbs certain vitamins and lead to various health issues, including but not limited to some birth defects and even cardiovascular issues.

How Methylation Affects Gene Expression

To understand genetic methylation testing, understanding how methylation affects us and how it takes place is important. Methylation patterns are dynamic and can be influenced by environmental factors, lifestyle, and diet. These patterns can lead to:

Gene Silencing: Methylation in promoter regions can prevent gene expression.

Examples:

• Environmental Toxins: Exposure to chemicals in cigarette smoke, pollution, or certain pesticides can lead to abnormal methylation patterns that silence genes involved in protecting against diseases like cancer.
• Aging: As we age, certain genes may become silenced through increased methylation, leading to age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s.
• Diet: A diet low in important nutrients, like folate (found in leafy greens and beans), can lead to abnormal methylation and silencing of protective genes.
• Gene Activation: Methylation within gene bodies can enhance gene expression.

Examples:

• Hormonal Changes: During pregnancy or puberty, the body may use methylation to activate genes involved in growth and development. For example, some genes involved in female or male sexual characteristics are activated by methylation patterns influenced by hormones like estrogen and testosterone.
• Stress: Chronic stress can change methylation patterns in genes related to mood and stress response. For example, some studies have shown that methylation in genes related to the brain’s stress-response system can activate certain pathways that affect how we handle stress.
• Exercise: Physical activity can change the methylation of genes that affect muscle growth and repair, promoting the activation of these genes to help recovery and improve performance.

Did you know?

Most mental health medications are genome-based and can affect individuals differently. Thus, increasing the chances of trial and error.

A non-invasive and at-home pharmacogenomics test (PGx test) from RPh LABS can give you insights into your genetic makeup, allowing your doctor to tailor medications, while increasing efficacy and decreasing adverse effects.

Disease Association:

Altered methylation patterns are linked to various conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health disorders.

Examples:

• Lung Cancer: Smoking can cause methylation changes that silence genes involved in protecting the body from cancer. This increases the risk of lung cancer.
• Breast Cancer: Methylation changes can silence important tumor suppressor genes, like BRCA1, which normally protect against breast cancer.

Applications of Genetic Methylation Testing

Genetic methylation tests analyse DNA methylation patterns to provide insights into various health aspects:

1. Detoxification

Methylation is essential for detoxification processes. Impaired methylation can lead to reduced detoxification capacity, increasing susceptibility to toxins and environmental pollutants.

2. Hormone Balance

Methylation affects the metabolism of hormones like estrogen and cortisol. Altered methylation patterns can disrupt hormonal balance, potentially leading to conditions such as estrogen dominance or adrenal fatigue.

3. Nutrient Absorption

Methylation is involved in the metabolism of vitamins and minerals. Deficiencies in methylation can impair nutrient absorption and utilization, affecting overall health.

4. Mental Health

Methylation influences neurotransmitter metabolism. Altered methylation patterns are associated with mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.

5. Cardiovascular Health

Methylation affects genes involved in cardiovascular function. Impaired methylation can contribute to cardiovascular diseases by influencing inflammation, lipid metabolism, and blood pressure regulation.

 

Genetic Methylation Tests: Options and Providers

These tests analyse specific genes like the COMT gene, which is involved in the metabolism of neurotransmitters and can influence mental health and stress response.

Several companies offer genetic methylation testing services. If looking specifically for the Gary Brecka methylation test, simply proceed to the website, click ‘Shop’, and you should be able to see a list of partners.
If you are interested in knowing about comt gene mutation symptoms, then click here.

Can Methylation Be Altered with Medication?

While methylation is a natural process, certain medications and supplements can influence it:

• Methylation Supplements: Supplements containing folate, vitamin B12, and other methyl donors can support healthy methylation processes.
• Medications: Some medications can affect methylation patterns, either directly or indirectly, by influencing enzyme activity or nutrient availability.

Medications That Influence DNA Methylation

Certain FDA-approved medications have been shown to modulate DNA methylation, either directly or indirectly, affecting gene expression and potentially influencing various health conditions.

1. Azacitidine (Vidaza)

• Mechanism: Azacitidine is a nucleoside analogue that incorporates into DNA and inhibits DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), leading to DNA hypomethylation.
• Clinical Use: As shared by the Ashpublications, azacitidine is approved for the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukaemia.
• Implications: By demethylating DNA, azacitidine can reactivate silenced tumour suppressor genes, contributing to its anti-cancer effects.

2. Decitabine (Dacogen)

• Mechanism: Similar to azacitidine, decitabine is a cytidine analogue that inhibits DNMTs, leading to DNA hypomethylation.
• Clinical Use: Approved for the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes and in combination with other drugs to treat acute myeloid leukaemia.
• Implications: Decitabine’s ability to demethylate DNA can restore the expression of genes involved in cell cycle regulation and apoptosis, aiding in cancer treatment.

3. Valproic Acid (VPA)

• Mechanism: VPA is primarily known as a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, but it also exhibits properties that can influence DNA methylation.
• Clinical Use: Approved for the treatment of epilepsy, bipolar disorder, and as a mood stabiliser.
• Implications: VPA’s modulation of epigenetic marks can affect gene expression related to neuronal function and mood regulation.

4. Antidepressants (e.g., Escitalopram)

• Mechanism: Certain antidepressants can influence DNA methylation patterns, particularly in genes associated with mood regulation.
• Clinical Use: Approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder and generalised anxiety disorder.
• Implications: Escitalopram has been shown to increase DNA methylation in the promoter regions of the BDNF gene, which is involved in neuroplasticity and mood regulation.

Cost of Genetic Methylation Testing

The cost of genetic testing varies based on the complexity of the test and the provider.

• Basic Tests: Approximately $50–$150.
• Comprehensive Panels: Ranging from $100 to over $1,000, depending on the number of genes analysed and the depth of the report.

Insurance coverage for genetic testing may vary; it’s advisable to check with your provider to understand potential out-of-pocket costs.

Summary

Conditions related to methylation include, but are not limited t,o lung cancer, breast cancer, chronic stress, and hormonal conditions. Genetic methylation testing offers valuable insights into how gene expression is regulated and how it can impact various aspects of health, including detoxification, hormone balance, nutrient absorption, mental health, and cardiovascular health. Thus, this DNA methylation test can show a clear picture, helping in better treatment. However, to avoid unintended health consequences, altering methylation through medications should take place under your doctor’s guidance.

Disclaimer: This blog is only for informational purposes. Always consult your healthcare specialist before taking any medical action.