Just like stem cell science, we're going to be hearing a lot about epigenetics. Epigenetics is the study of changes in gene expression. "Epi" simply means outside of or above.
These patterns of gene expression are governed by the cellular material — the epigenome — that sits on top of the genome, just outside it (hence the prefix epi-, which means above). It is these epigenetic "marks" that tell your genes to switch on or off, to speak loudly or whisper. It is through epigenetic marks that environmental factors like diet, stress and prenatal nutrition can make an imprint on genes that is passed from one generation to the next.
This new avenue of research looks at how environment changes our genes, by switching them on or off--this includes what we eat and drink, what we come in contact with, and how we move and handle stress. How we live our lives can create and change our genes.
Time Magazine article on epigenetics
We used to believe that there was no outside influence that could change our genes. What you were born with was what you had for the rest of your life. And this is true in many instances. Your baby blue eyes are thanks to Grandma. But Grandpa's diabetes or heart disease aren't your destiny.
This is why identical twins can have different diseases. We see this in cancer, heart disease and MS.
a fun video on genetics and twins
Recent research has shown that, just like cardiovascular disease, there is not one specific gene related to multiple sclerosis. The closest researchers have come is to isolate the HLA locus and the MHC gene. But only 4% of pwMS have this gene. This has lead some researchers to posit that MS may be an epigenetic disease-
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For an excellent article, published just last month on epigenetics and MS--
The Multiple Sclerosis Discovery Forum on Nature and Nuture
There's been a lot of information on stem cells in the press and online. Stem cell treatment is a hope for many, and the research on the reparative ability of stem cells is pretty astounding, but it may not be available in the near future. Marie wrote a terrific note on the hope and reality of stem cells. It's full of great information.
link to Marie's note
And stem cells rely heavily on epigenetics.
As a stem cell develops, chemical tags on the DNA or its surrounding histone proteins switch genes on or off, controlling a cell’s fate.
link to article on stem cells and epigenetic factors
But there's something you can do to change your own cells. Today. Honest.
Four years ago, I contacted Dr. John Cooke at Stanford University--because I saw a connection in his work in the study of the endothelium (the lining of all our blood vessels) and multiple sclerosis. Dr. Cooke wasn't so sure about the relationship between MS and the vasculature, but I asked him to keep an open mind. And has has. He's now looking at how the endothelium is the connection between CCSVI and MS.
Dr. Cooke is Professor of Medicine and Associate Director (Education and Training)of the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute. His research group performs translational work in vascular regeneration from molecule to man. The goal is to transfer basic research insights into clinical trials using a vertically integrated approach with an array of biochemical and molecular tools, cellular and animal models, and clinical research techniques. Our mission is to to build new blood vessels, reverse vascular senescence, and to improve vascular health.
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Dr. Cooke's team is looking at a variety of stem cell applications:
link to research
But he has also been studying how lifestyle changes reprogram the body. His book on this is called The Cardiovascular Cure, and I used it as one of the resources for the Endothelial Health Program--
The Cardiovascular Cure
The Endothelial Health Program
I put together a list of 10 things you can do today. These are really simple changes that anyone can incorporate into the daily lives, no matter your disability level.
Things you can do today
I hope you'll give it a try. Not going to nag (I know it doesn't work--I have a teenager) but I'm going to try it from this angle...
The answers do not always come from outside. They often come from within.
You may not be able to be infused with adult stem cells anytime soon. That doesn't mean you can't hope for them. But you can switch on your own healing cells. I've seen the transformation in my husband. Dr. Cooke's seen it in his patients. Dr. Wahls and Dr. Jelinek have, as well. The Hubbards have seen it. And we're all starting to think there's a connection.
While we're waiting for the research to confirm our hunches...why not give it a try? Epigenetics, like stem cells, may just be the future of medicine. Until then, I wish you hope and healing.
Joan
