What is hepatitis and what does it have to do with genetics?

What is hepatitis: definition of the disease

Hepatitis is a disease caused by a liver inflammation at abnormal levels, which brings a series of associated symptoms. There are five major groups of hepatitis, depending on the strain: A, B, C, D and E.

This liver inflammation, if left untreated or combined with other unhealthy habits, can lead to life-threatening conditions such as liver cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, and liver cancer, among other conditions.

It should be noted that not all hepatitis has the same origin or the same symptoms. On the other hand, Types A and B can be avoided through early vaccination, hence the importance of preventing it during childhood.

Hepatitis is also a multicausal disease: in some cases, it is a consequence of environmental factors or sexual transmission, while in others it is influenced by Genetics . Combinations of all these cases can also occur. However, there is a certain relationship, both direct and indirect, between hepatitis and genetics. We'll analyze this in more detail here.

What is hepatitis? The different types and their transmission

Transmission of the hepatitis virus varies depending on the case, as does its duration and treatment. Therefore, it's important to understand the different types:

• Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A is usually the mildest form, associated with the consumption of spoiled food or water. This variant can be treated or prevented through vaccination.
• Hepatitis B: The hepatitis B virus is transmitted through blood or bodily fluids. It is one of the STDs more common, but it also occurs if infected syringes are shared. It's also a variant that can be prevented through vaccination.
• Hepatitis C: Hepatitis C is a disease that usually becomes chronic and, in the best-case scenario, can be treated with retrovirals. Transmission occurs through contact with blood, so it can be an STD or the result of sharing unsterilized syringes.
• Hepatitis D: Hepatitis D is only contracted through contact with blood, and for this to happen, it is necessary to first have hepatitis B. However, there is no cure and it can only be treated with retrovirals.
• Hepatitis E: Like hepatitis E, it is contracted by consuming unsafe food or water. It is a mild form, and most of the time, medication is not even necessary.

This makes it easier to verify origins and seek possible solutions. And, above all, to rule out or attribute genetic origins, if appropriate.

Relationship between hepatitis and genetics

The relationship between hepatitis and genetics is evident in many cases. Why? Because, in certain types, the origin of the disease, due to predisposition, may be partially genetic. However, genetic elements, being a predisposition, must be taken into account along with other factors, both environmental and infectious.

That said, there are some genetic mutations you should be aware of when wondering what hepatitis is. These are the main examples:

1. Predisposition to weaken the immune system

There are some genetic mutations that weaken the immune system , increasing the chances of developing hepatitis. However, we must say that this predisposition often also affects other, unrelated diseases. Therefore, it's an aspect worth knowing, and a genetic test can be very useful in this regard.

2. Drug-aggravated hepatitis

The body's response to certain Drugs , for various reasons, are better or worse. When it comes to liver inflammation, there are genetic mutations that influence a negative reaction to drugs. This is a reason to perform a pharmacogenomic test, because it provides a better understanding of possible reactions, allowing for alternative treatments. Especially if there are precedents of adverse reactions to drugs.

3. Greater predisposition to viruses

The HLA chromosomal abnormalities increase the predisposition to contract the hepatitis virus, specifically types B and C. Knowing this beforehand is very useful for preventing it or, if necessary, treating it more intelligently.

4. Faster development of hepatitis

There are genetic mutations that favor a more rapid development of hepatitis and its main symptoms. One example is mutations in the PNPLA3 gene, which can accelerate liver fibrosis in the presence of hepatitis C.

5. What is hepatitis: chronicity with genes

Some genes or genetic mutations influence the chronicity of hepatitis once it has developed. For example, there are cases of chronic hepatitis B through HLA gene mutations , after having suffered significantly. However, remember that this is only a risk factor; it is not necessarily a determining factor.

6. Autoimmune hepatitis

One of the main problems is that of autoimmune hepatitis , and several have been shown to mutations increase the possibility. We highlight, therefore, the cases of the HLA-A, TNFA2, and CTLA4 genes. Some of these factors can increase the likelihood of developing autoimmune hepatitis. Therefore, knowing these polymorphisms is highly advisable.

7. Family history of NAFLD

He Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) It occurs in between 20 and 30% of the population. And, in principle, it is not related to alcohol consumption or other unhealthy habits. However, it has been proven that 15% of first-degree relatives of these patients have an additional risk of suffering from this disease, which, in advanced stages, can lead to liver inflammation . Statistically, it is clear that genetics plays a role.

Therefore…

Knowing what hepatitis is and its relationship to genetics helps with prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. At Genotica, you'll find a list of genetic tests classified by type, price, function, and response time. Contact us . to find out more!