Punita Nagar-Vaidya
The government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken a major decision regarding health. The health department there has made genetic testing mandatory before marriage. Under this rule, it will be mandatory for couples to undergo genetic testing before getting married in the UAE. Although the result of this test will not affect the decision of marriage, but if there is any genetic problem, the couple will be informed about it before marriage and can take future decisions based on it. Abu Dhabi Government has taken this decision in the interest of the future generation. Does genetic profile matching work? A child receives a specific DNA sequencing or chromosome composition from the parents. The genes present in it determine what our color, appearance, build, habits and behavior will be. This is the expression of all genes. If there is any defect or mutation in it, it is also passed on to the next generations. Due to which children can suffer from many diseases or problems. In most cases there is no treatment for the genetic problem and the child dies. There are many diseases in children which are rooted in their genes and cannot be treated medically. Due to the increasing prevalence of such problems, genetic testing before marriage and especially before conception has become very necessary. A variety of screenings have been developed to detect genetic disorders. General tests like complete blood count, blood group are also done in this. Apart from this, Hb variant testing is done to detect the possibility of thalassemia and sickle cell. If one of the parents has a serious genetic condition, their children are more likely to pass it on. If that genetic condition is present in both parents, the child has a 50% chance of having the genetic disorder. In such a situation, it is necessary for parents to have prior information about this so that they can do better family planning. Genetic diseases have long been a challenge to the healthcare system. As scientific research on these diseases progressed, we realized that genetic diseases are not destiny. It is in our hands to stop them and the only way to do this is to match the genetic profile of both the partners before marriage or after the birth of the child. Other benefits include genetic testing reducing infant and child mortality, their genetic diseases, costs to parents and the burden on public health services. Because genetic diseases are not a matter of fate or luck. It is in our hands to avoid many such lifestyle related diseases by timely screening. Treatment can be initiated by detecting genetic disorders through some screening, simple tests like complete blood count, blood group and Hb variants.
Which countries mandate genetic testing?
Currently the UAE government has made genetic testing mandatory before marriage which will be done at 22 centers in Abu Dhabi. It will involve testing for 570 genes and 840 hereditary problems. Even before the UAE, many countries around the world have made genetic testing mandatory for couples before marriage. Cyprus made the test mandatory in 1973, Italy and Greece in 1975, Turkey in 1995, Iran in 1997, Jordan and Saudi Arabia in 2004, and Bahrain in 2005. Genetic testing is currently not mandatory in India before marriage. However, the country's apex medical panel, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), has issued guidelines on genetic counseling and testing, recommending various tests for medical professionals and couples. Many expert molecular haematologists, oncologists and gynecologists say that in view of the increasing prevalence of genetic diseases in India and the increasing awareness about its implications, premarital genetic testing should be encouraged.
Disturbing genetic diseases
Hemophilia Hemophilia is a genetic disease. This disease is also dangerous. In this, when there is an injury in the body, the person's blood does not clot, due to which the accident victim may die. Anemia-Sickle Cell and Thalassemia Anemia is also a blood disease. This also mostly comes to children through a family member or parents. Due to the lack of hemoglobin in the body, the body becomes weak and the chances of death after developing any other disease increases. Sickle cell disease also has similar symptoms. Genes from mother and father are also responsible for thalassemia. If both mother and father have thalassemia minor, the chances of a person getting thalassemia major increases. Cystic Fibrosis Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that affects many parts of the body. It can affect liver, pancreas, bladder organs and genitals. DVT Deep Vein Thrombosis stands for DVT. This is a blood clot that forms in the veins of the body. This condition occurs when the blood thickens. Most often this problem occurs on the thigh. Multiple sclerosis is a disease caused by damage to the cells that make up the immune system of the nerves in the brain. These antibodies affect the nerves in the brain, spinal cord and eyes. Several genetic factors are responsible for the development of diabetes type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus commonly known as diabetes. Down syndrome Down syndrome is a genetic disease that occurs in very few people. In this disease, not only the physical but also the mental development of the child slows down. Hemochromatosis Hemochromatosis is a disease in which your body accumulates more iron than it needs. Parkinson's disease Parkinson's disease is a disease of the central nervous system in which the patient's body parts continue to tremble. Mental Illnesses The main cause of mental illness is genetics. If someone in the family is suffering from a disease like depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder and this complaint is seen in the son or daughter after the parents, the chances increase. This disease is transferred from one generation to another in the form of genes. Breast Cancer Breast cancer is caused by the uncontrolled growth of breast cells. This disease is also genetic. Hypertension The main function of the heart is to pump blood through the blood vessels to supply oxygen to the body. If the blood flow pressure is higher than normal, extra pressure is exerted on the walls of the blood vessels (arteries). This is called high blood pressure or hypertension. This high BP can cause serious health problems like heart attack, stroke, kidney problems or dementia. Family history and genetic factors are also responsible for this condition.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
