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Genetically transferred diseases are health issues passed down from one generation to the next through genetic information. They are also known as hereditary or inherited conditions. Research has shown that someone with a close relative living with a condition like fibromyalgia is 8.5 times more likely to get it. Why is that?
Genetics, in general, are extremely complicated and difficult to understand. People spend their whole lives studying the human genome, and still have questions that will take years to answer. For now, we will settle for the basics. What does it mean to have a genetic predisposition to certain diseases? Why is it that way? Is there anything you can do to mitigate the risk? PatientsLikeMe has you covered.
Genetic Basis
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder. Its symptoms include widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and tenderness in certain areas. We do not yet understand the exact cause of fibromyalgia. However, research suggests that genetic factors play a significant role in its development. In the case of fibromyalgia, there seems to be a hereditary component, meaning it can run in families.
The best way to think of DNA is like a recipe book. It holds all of the instructions on how to build a body (you). The ingredients in this book are as simple as four nucleotides. If you remember your high school biology, these the letters A, C, T and G. Genes are like specific recipes within that book. They take each those nucleotides and arrange them depending on what we need. These are the instructions that dictate how our bodies function. Variations in certain gene patterns, however, can influence our susceptibility to specific health conditions.
Genes are passed down by your parents, and certain genetic patterns can lead to diseases. That makes you more likely to get that disease if your parents also had it. Studies have found that genetic factors may be up to 50% responsible for susceptibility to fibromyalgia. The details are fairly complicated. There is still a lot we do not know about the condition. Researchers have not fully identified the biological markers.
Biological Mechanisms
Fibromyalgia is associated with alterations in how the brain and nervous system process pain signals. While environmental factors can contribute to the onset of fibromyalgia symptoms, genetic predispositions can influence the way an individual's body manages and perceives pain.
Genetic variations may impact the levels of neurotransmitters, chemicals that transmit signals in the brain. This in turn affects pain perception and sensitivity. Additionally, changes in genes related to the immune system and inflammation may contribute to the chronic inflammation often observed in fibromyalgia patients.
Inheritance Patterns
It is important to understanding the inheritance patterns of a genetically transferred disease. This can help uncover how it is passed from one generation to the next. In the case of fibromyalgia, it doesn't follow a straightforward inheritance pattern, where a single gene is responsible. Instead, it appears to involve multiple genes, each contributing a small part to the overall risk.
A review of scientific literature on fibromyalgia in 2017 laid out some statistics that help clarify the situation. 52% of parents and siblings of someone with the condition had some clinical evidence of fibromyalgia. This is despite no previous diagnoses. Another 22% with no symptoms had abnormal muscle consistency, which is a common side effect. When a mother has fibromyalgia, the child has a 28% of inheriting the disease. Siblings of people with the condition sit at 27%. All of this data goes to suggest that genetics play a higher role than environmental factors.
Other Factors Linked To Fibromyalgia Diagnoses
So what other factors are in play? While genetics play a crucial role in fibromyalgia, there is a lot that can influence its development. Environmental factors like stress, trauma, infections, and other triggers may interact with genetic predispositions. This can increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
There are also triggering factors independent of these that can play a role. 90% of fibromyalgia diagnoses are in women, suggesting hormonal changes play a role. While it can happen at any age, fibromyalgia is most commonly found between the ages of 20 and 50. Sleep disorders and chronic pain have also been linked.
Diseases like fibromyalgia show how complicated the relationship between genetic and environmental factors is. Understanding the mechanisms behind genetically transferred diseases is important! It allows people to make more informed choices about their health. Hopefully, this will pave the way for better management and potential breakthroughs in treatment.
We hope this helps! Take every day as it comes and try to stay positive. There are always resources should you need them, and people willing to listen. Are you interested in joining an active community of people living with fibromyalgia? Sign up for a free PatientsLikeMe account today to start sharing your story, connecting with others, and asking questions! We would love to have you join.