Reaction to Epigenetics - Essay Example

Reaction to Epigenetics

Epigenetics is the science of gene expression modification that does not involve a change of the deoxyribonucleic acid sequences in a living organism. In most cases, the epigenetics affects cellular and physiological phenotypic characteristics due to environmental factors (Park, et al., 2019, p. 140). Such factors are; physical activity, substance use such as cigarettes and alcohol, being overweight, a polluted environment, psychological stress, exposure to cold, especially those working on night shifts, and type of diet. Studies report that incorrect epigenetic marks sometimes cause abnormality related to birth and childhood disorders. Besides, Epigenetic mechanisms control growth and adaptations I the entire life of people. The effects of the epigenetic condition usually result in several diseases that can be seen in family history. On most occasions, family history greatly contributes to the development of specific diseases derived by epigenetic modification.

Usually, the process of regulating gene expression is frequent in the somatic cells that are passed later to the next generation through inheritance. Hence particular diseases can be rampant in a family. For instance, a specific disease may have a common occurrence from grandparents to parents and grandchildren or with an immediate family like cousins. Another example of the family, including relatives, experiencing; cancer, asthma, diabetes type two, high blood pressure, depression, arthritis, allergies, thyroid disorder, and high cholesterol, may have a child that child or one of their many developing psychological disorders such as stress. This development of particular diseases to a family member is due to the epigenetic processes that affect the chromosomes; hence the condition becomes inheritable within a family or a clan f it started several years behind.

Review of Epigenetic mechanism and associated diseases

According to Park, et al. (2019), major psychological problems such as stress and other mental disorders in a grown person is developed for a long period. The article explains the unpleasant environment conditions; child mistreatment, interpersonal disagreements, and trauma like loss of a close friend or relative affect the cells and trigger the epigenetic process that modifies the cells. The modified cells are responsible for the change of the psychological condition of an individual. In this case, changes such as mental illness and other forms of stress result from the epigenetic mechanism that happens under unfavorable conditions that a person may be going through over a period. With evidence from numerous studies, epigenetic in gene modification is the main root by which stress symptoms appears in human. This process normally happens when painful conditions of the environment, including personal challenges that one may be undergoing for a long period, interact with the haploid set of chromosomes. As a result of this interaction, some modified changes occur in the structure of deoxyribonucleic acid, including its expression. Consequently, personal behaviors may affect the adaptability, resulting in an emotional instability usually due to the developed stress. In addition to epigenetic changes in deoxyribonucleic acid, other diseases such as cancer, high blood pressure, obesity, asthma may also develop.

Despite the disorders resulting from the epigenetic mechanism in the cells, health providers have brought hope that some circumstances epigenetic marks are reversible during the early stages of occurrence. Thus, currently, a lot of studies are invested in coming up with therapies. However, some findings have revealed that there are irreversible conditions. The methyl groups used in changing the deoxyribonucleic acid functioning can not be taken out; hence the resulting condition remains permanent. Therefore, epigenetic is an instrumental science in understanding complex scenarios of diseases like mental illness, substance addiction, and cancer can be explained.

Concept of Epigenetics in Development of Colon Cancer as a Family History

The epigenetic process enhances the development of cancer of the colon through gene mutation that starts in colon mucosa and gradually become colon cancer. Typically, the Epigenetics process modifies deoxyribonucleic acid molecules of cancer cells, but this process does not alter any kind to the nucleotide sequence. Usually, several genes in the cancer cells genome are much affected by the methylation of deoxyribonucleic acid in a bigger way than gene mutations. According to Park, et al. (2019), Studies explain that Colorectal Cancer results from the formation of generic and epigenetic changes accumulating in the genes that later modifies glandular epithelium into adenocarcinoma. However, manipulating epigenetic changes is essential in managing cancer by ensuring proper therapy is practiced (p. 141). This manipulation varies with the type and severity of cancer, and it is crucial in determining appropriate treatments that have an epigenetic influence on the spread of cancer.

Improving Health and Longevity

Understanding the questionnaire's findings, understanding epigenetics, and family history, and improving health and longevity requires several activities. Some of these practices are; staying active physically fit, avoiding smoking, moderating alcohol consumption, resisting too much stress and anxiety, and always staying happy. Also, nurture social life, have a good sleeping time, take coffee or tea, Stay conscientious, and eat a balanced diet that comprises healthy meals and avoiding an excess of it (Park, et al., 2019, p. 148). Studies report that regular exercise improves body fitness hence capable of lowering the risk of developing disease that may reduce the life span of an individual. Thus, people who do sufficient exercise are likely to stay longer than those who rarely check their physical fitness. With resisting from substance abuse, like smoking, one can prevent the risk of developing many associated diseases. Avoiding smoke is vital in preventing diseases such as liver cirrhosis that may lead to liver cancer. Research findings report those individuals who are smoking are likely to cut their life short by ten years and even more time to die prematurely.

Like alcohol, the consumption should be moderated; too much alcohol in the body is associated with diseases of the cardiovascular system, liver, and pancreas responsible for early death. Sometimes, taking wine is preferred to sprits and bears because of the health benefit of containing polyphenol antioxidants. It is essential in reducing the risk of developing mental disorder diabetes and heart attacks. However, moderate consumption is advised, since excessive use of wine is also dangerous. Also, avoiding stress is crucial in improving health; optimistic people are likely to stay longer than pessimistic individuals. So, being happily coupled wth laughter helps increase personal lifespan.

Additionally, people who are active in social networks can stay longer. Good social relationships are enhanced functioning of brains, heart immune system, and less response to distress. Hence, having close friends and family would improve social goodness. In achieving maximum body relaxation, good sleep is essential. Sufficient sleep is also vital in the proper functioning of the body cells (Park, et al., 2019, p. 150). It is advisable to consider sleeping duration because excess sleep or too little of it is harmful. For instance, a lot of sleep may cause low physical fitness and depression, while less sleep is linked to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorder. Usually, health professionals recommend seven or eight hours of sleep that is beneficial to increase lifespan.

Reference

Park, C., Rosenblat, J. D., Brietzke, E., Pan, Z., Lee, Y., Cao, B., Zuckerman, H., Kalantarova, A. & McIntyre, R. S. (2019). Stress, epigenetics, and depression: a systematic review. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 102, 139-152. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.04.010