Personal Genomics

A New Frontier in Personalized Medicine

Personal Genomics test is the screening method using genetic information to preserve and improve the health and aging process. It applies to individuals at the pre symptomatic stage who wish to determine their susceptibility or risk of developing disease. Unlike the traditional genetics concerned with severe hereditary diseases, monogenic pathologies such as cystic fibrosis, Huntington’s chorea, etc, new genetics looks at multigene and multifactorial affections, whose main principle resides in the interplay between genes and environment. Combining comprehensive personal and family medical history with the unique genetic profile and the gene-environment interaction, help physicians to select adequate preventive measures for minimizing risk exposures, improving health behaviors and  lifestyle factors .In addition, it assists in customizing individual therapies suitable for the individual genetic capacity.

Based on the gene- environment interaction, we can distinguish the following disciplines:

• Pharmacogenetics is the study of how genes influence an individual’s response to drugs.

• Nutrigenetics studies the interrelationship among genes, gene products, food and dietary habits.

• Psychogenetics studies psychiatric disorders and genetics of behavior,such as addictive behavior, smoking, alcohol abuse, gambling, depression trends etc

• Ecogenetics and toxicogenomics defined as the study of individual susceptibility to environmental chemicals and toxins.