Complex
Disorders vs. Single-Gene Disorders
The so-called diseases of the modern world - complex disorders,
such as high blood pressure and other diseases of the heart and circulatory
system, diabetes, obesity, cancer, psychiatric illness, asthma, arthritis
– have a genetic and environmental component. Even though they
are difficult to predict-hence the name complex- if diagnosed in time,
they can be prevented. Involving more than one gene, complex disorders
have become the leading cause of death in developed countries. On
the other hand, single-gene disorders are easily
predictable but are almost unpreventable. Faulty genes are passed
from one generation to the next, allowing for the tracking of the
genes that cause the disorder through families, relatively easy. Examples
of these type of disorders are: sickle-cell anaemia, haemophilia,
Huntington’s disease & cystic fibrosis among many others.
Early
detection of predisposition to complex disorder will allow for: |
 |
Early
detection of single-gene disorders will allow for: |
- Development of a prevention plan
- Possible
prevention of disease
- Reduction
in overall health costs
- Longevity
- Health optimisation
- Peace
of mind
|
- Reproductive counselling to affected couples
- Delay
of onset of disorder (certain cases)
- Better
therapeutic approaches to disease
- Personal
& Family Planning
|
The
Genetics of the Heart
The Genetics of Cancer
The Genetics of Blood
The Genetics of the Metabolism
The Genetics of the CNS
The Genetics of the Diet
The Genetics of the Eye
The Genetics of Drugs
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