'Genome sequencing can predict chances of lifestyle disease'

RANCHI: Genome sequencing helps predict if a person is at risk of developing any lifestyle disease, said an expert on gastroenterology and lifestyle diseases during the two-day Gastrocon-2022 conference here on Sunday.
The event witnessed the participation of over 200 specialists of diseases related to liver, pancreas and intestine.
Dr D Nageshwar Reddy said, "Technology is changing on a daily basis. We can predict whether a kid will be afflicted with diabetes after 40 years of age through genome sequencing. If yes, we can also predict as to when he/ she would get the disease?"
The Padma Shri awardee said lifestyle diseases are a result of metabolic syndrome as the person acquires extra fat in their body and liver. "So by collecting a sample of the genes, we can predict if the individual will be afflicted with the disease or not," he added. Notably, metabolic syndrome is also a hereditary problem and it gets transferred from one generation to another.
The founder-cum-chairman of the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, Hyderabad, suggested measures to avoid the development of metabolic syndrome as it leads to increased blood sugar levels, hypertension, reduction of high density lipoprotein, which is also known as good cholesterol. "People who have parents or grandparents suffering from these ailments must bring changes in their lifestyle and do 45 minutes of exercise, restrict their unhealthy habits like fast food, consuming alcohol , and smoking, failing which they are prone to fall ill too," he added.
On Saturday, 12 doctors presented case studies and new methods of treatment for fatty liver, ulcers and use of plasma apheresis in reducing death rate of patients suffering from liver cirrhosis. A live gastro surgery by Dr Reddy was broadcasted online for the participating doctors.