Oxidative Stress and Methylation

Methylation is a biochemical process that silences genes so they are not expressed. DNA methylation is used to regulate genes and protect your DNA material from splitting apart. This is part of a regulatory process where there is an alteration in your gene expression without a change in the DNA sequence. Defects in this process are linked to several types of diseases including: cancer, heart disease, mood disorders, mitochondrial disorders, autoimmune conditions and autism. Methylation is the hottest medical topic at all of the recent conferences.  What is it and why should you be concerned?

Did you know that appropriate methylation is part of our immune function?

Methylation in humans is a defense system against foreign viruses. Viruses infect cells and get into the host's DNA. Methylation can inactivate your ability to recognize a foreign invader. It's sneaky. The virus goes undercover and proliferates, but your immune system doesn't see the virus because gene expression is silent. Appropriate methylation can limit the spread of viral infections from cell to cell.   

We need methylation to break down our steroid sex hormones so excess estrogen can be eliminated from the body. This is a critical part of preventing hormone receptor positive breast cancers. The body's inability to efficiently detoxify estrogen metabolites is linked to an increase in postmenopausal sensitive cancers.  

Is there a test to determine my methylation capability?  Should I take that test before I do hormone replacement therapy?

Yes and Yes. We offer state-of-the-art methylation testing at Second Nature Care. We offer the Plasma Methylation Profile that provides a functional assessment of common genetic snips. It is measured by plasma levels of methionine, cysteine, SAM, SAH, homocysteine and cystathione.  We offer the blood draw service right in the office.