It is always notable that identical twins come from same DNA; however, regularly happen to be different with time as they grow old in spite of the genes having a significant genetic factor (Skinner, 2017) . Hence, epigenetics is a term that can be used to describe this puzzle or situation. Epigenetics is recognized as the study involving hereditary shifts in expressing active and inactive genes which do not essentially entail the changes within the underlying DNA sequence that can be acknowledged as the change in phenotype while not interfering with the genotype, therefore, impacting the way in which genes are perceived by the cells. Besides, the video regarding epigenetics presents an engaging explanation concerning the composition of epigenetics modification concept by providing an account of many identical twins and the significant differences in the inception of diseases.
The video discloses that epigenetic changes mark as usual and the natural occurrence although can be affected by other factors including environment, disease condition, age, and the way of life or lifestyle. The alterations in epigenetics are always noticeable via cells regeneration into the cells of the skin, brain or liver among other critical cells within the body (Schiele & Domschke, 2017). Similarly, the epigenetic alteration or modification can result in more dangerous consequences such as the inception of diseases such as cancer. The video content disclosed that there are primary three systems related to the silencing of a gene that is also recognized as the commencement and sustaining of epigenetic adjustment. The concept is all about non-coding RNA, DNA methylation, and the histone modification.
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Feinberg and Fallin in their article, "Epigenetics at the Crossroads of Genes and the Environment" describe epigenetics as the information which is transmitted during the process of cell division apart from the DNA sequence per se. They add that epigenetics is the language which differentiates stem cells from the somatic cells, distinguishes one organ from the other also identical twins from each other (Feinberg & Fallin, 2015). They further present some illustrations which expand on the concept. For example, the authors state that DNA methylation entails a covalent change within the nucleotide cytosine which is assimilated into the cell division by sustaining enzyme DNA Methyltransferase at CpG dinucleotides.
The authors further asserted that compared to the sequence of DNA system, the epigenome is likely to yield to the environmental aspects and stochastic interference over time which later increases the diversity or variety in phenotype amongst families. Additionally, this explains the existing differences among identical twins in spite of them coming from similar DNA and possessing genes that have unique genetic component. A better example presented by authors surrounds the environmentally changed phenotype that belongs to the agouti gene responsible for the coat color and weight rule in rats that is further manifested by epigenetic alteration (Feinberg & Falling, 2015)
Based on the information which authors have presented, a recurrent DNA variant within the agouti gene can results in its activation in a non-regulatory way which leads to an increase in obesity among the yellow coated mice or rats. They stated that there is a close relationship between nutrition among people in their early life during the modulation of the epigenome. Therefore, it can be assumed that people can experience DNA methylation alterations in their genes if their grandparents or parents experienced harsh environmental conditions. Eventually, the authors disclose that the risks or prediction does not rely on an appliance that is structured since a sequence of genetic markers is employed to forecast individual who is at risk of being infected by a dangerous disease, determine the prevention mechanism and treatment plan or strategy.
Upon completing the ‘Family History Dr. Oz worksheet,' I noticed many things regarding the health issues associated with the history of my family. Several of my family members and relatives have problems related to allergies of various things as well as asthmatic conditions. Allergies and asthmatic conditions are always influenced by epigenetics. "The disclosure to environmental conditions during early childhood may induce a long-lasting altered genetic state adapting to a persistent thus influencing the development of asthma or atopic dermatitis and food allergy if modifications include the filaggrin gene" (Feinberg & Falling, 2015)
Besides, cancer is another condition that has affected my family; I suggest that cancer has always been caused by issues to do with either one or more of the gene cells having problems. Since this condition is not hereditary, this means that it cannot be passed down to offspring. However, one of the unique epigenetic issues affecting my family is the eye condition. Almost every member of the family puts on glasses. Color blindness and lazy eyes conditions are always hereditary. Majority of them have been losing their sights at the age of 20. These are the problems associated with my family based on the Family History worksheet.
While taking on the questionnaire, I realized plenty of things I can pursue to improve my health standards. The task predicted my lifetime period on this earth, 91 years. Besides, it predicted that I would live for 75 years without problems related to cancer, diabetes, and heart problem. There were some recommendations which came up while responding to the questionnaire which I have to consider if I want to live longer. I do not like seafood, but I realized that fish are considered having high contents of omega-3 fatty acids which promote the health of brain and heart. Also, I learned that fruits are chief supplements of vitamins hence help in protecting our bodies against cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues. I do not like eating vegetables; following completion of the questionnaire I realized that plant product is essential in our bodies since they can help in minimizing the risk of a heart problem, reduce blood pressure, reduce stroke, reduce the risk of eye and digestive issues and lowering the effect of blood sugar. Also, I learned that dealing with stress requires me to talk to people concerning things that are stressful, eating right diet, exercising, and getting adequate sleep. Lastly, I learned that it was of great importance to reduce the amount of junk food I consume since junk food makes people struggle to stop consuming due to their sweet nature. However, this type of food is not nutritious since it is full of calories from refined sugar, sodium content as well as minerals and vitamins. This type of food is associated with various dangerous diseases such as high cholesterol and diabetes. Therefore, I have to reduce or seize from eating them.
In conclusion, based on the recommendation regarding my lifestyle, there are various ways I can pursue to improve my life longevity. Epigenetics is considered most accurate and reliable when determining personal health. It is always apparent that consuming nutritious foods and getting involved in physical activities can improve one's health. Understanding the diseases that run across my family was the primary objective; cancer, diabetes, and eye problems affect the majority of my family members and relatives. Epigenetics concept has made me understand how organisms grow based on people's DNA. It is confusing how DNA blueprints are transmitted through the genes, and each person inherits his or her unique, distinct genetic code. It is not possible to change one's genetic code, though; the lifestyle and diet can be altered or modified. I hold that people have significant control over their health; we should not get stuck in the perception of genes. In other words, epigenetics is resilient, the reason we should ensure the lifestyle decisions we make are appropriate or right since they will influence not only us but also our offspring and generations to come.
References
Feinberg, A., & Fallin, M. (2015). Epigenetics at the Crossroads of Genes and the Environment. JAMA , 314 (11), 1129. doi: 10.1001/jama.2015.10414
Schiele, M., & Domschke, K. (2017). Epigenetics at the crossroads between genes, environment and resilience in anxiety disorders. Genes, Brain And Behavior , 17 (3), e12423. doi: 10.1111/gbb.12423
Skinner, M. (2017). Environment, epigenetics and reproduction. Environmental Epigenetics , 3 (3). doi: 10.1093/eep/dvx018
Vecoli, C., Pulignani, S., Foffa, I., & Andreassi, M. (2014). Congenital Heart Disease: The Crossroads of Genetics, Epigenetics and Environment. Current Genomics , 15 (5), 390-399. doi: 10.2174/1389202915666140716175634
