Nicknames for Gene SNPs

I’ve been involved in GeneWize since the beginning and I still can’t tell you the names of all the SNPs we test.

Since I’m a top earner with the company it’s obviously not critical to know what each SNP is, but I’ve become more curious and interested in the science the more I’ve been here.

To help myself out, I’ve nicknamed each SNP so we can remember them. Use this guide to share with your guests and to help you realize and remember all this science does for us.

Bone Strength Gene™ – SNP 1: VDR (Vitamin D Receptor)
Detox Gene™ — SNP 2: EPHX (Microsomal Epoxide Hydrolase)
CoQ10 Gene™ — SNP 3: NQ01 (Coenzyme Q10 Reductase)
Superoxide Gene™ Free Radical Defense — SNP 4: SOD2 (Manganese Superoxide Dimutase)
Lung and Breast Tissue Gene™  — SNP 5: GPX1 (Glutathione Peroxidase 1)
Collagen Health Gene™ — SNP 6: MMP-1 (Matrix Metalloproteinase)
Cardiovascular Gene™ — SNP 7: MTRR ( Methionine Sythase Reductase)
Cardiovascular Enzyme Gene™ — SNP 8: MTHFR (Methylene Tetrahydrofolate Reductase)
Inflammation Response Gene™ — – SNP 9: TNF-a (Tumor Necrosis Factor – a)
Cholesterol Oxidation Gene™ — SNP10: PON-1 (Paraxonase 1)
Blood Pressure Gene™ — – SNP 12: ApoB (Apolipoprotein B)

Bone Strength Gene™ — SNP 1: VDR (Vitamin D Receptor) — The strength of our bones is influenced by the VDR gene. In fact, among healthy people, this one gene accounts for 75% of the entire genetic influence on bone density.i People with SNPs in the VDR gene tend to have lower bone mineral density than those without these variations.ii,iii,iv SNPs in this gene may also influence young adult growth,v parathyroid hormone production,vi normal cell division,vii and blood sugar regulation.

Supportive ingredients include: Calcium (as Calcium Carbonate), Vitamin K1 (as phytonadione), Vitamin D3 (as cholecalciferol).

Detox Gene™ — SNP 2: EPHX (Microsomal Epoxide Hydrolase) — Epoxides are toxic, highly reactive foreign chemicals present in cigarette smoke, car exhaust, charcoal-grilled meat, and smoke from burning wood, pesticides, and alcohol.

The body’s way of dealing with epoxides is through the enzyme microsomal EPHX, which detoxifies these foreign compounds. Due to a SNP on the EPHX gene, people with lowered EPHX activity will have difficulty detoxifying harmful substances and thus be particularly vulnerable to their effects.

Supportive ingredients include: Milk Thistle extract [(Silybum marianum) standardize to 80% silymarin] Oxyphyte® Green Tea extract  [(Camellia sinensis) standardized to 90% polyphenols], Broccoli extract [(Brassica oleracea) standardized to 1.2% sulphoraphane], Burdock Root powder (Arctium pubens), Kale powder (Brassica oleracea), Artichoke extract [(Cynara scolymus) standardized to 4% chlorogenic acid/9% caffeoylquinic acid], Schizandra Berry powder (Schisandra chinensis ), Gotu Kola extract (Centella asiatica).

CoQ10 Gene™ — SNP 3: NQ01 (Coenzyme Q10 Reductase) — Free radicals are considered by many scientists to be the primary cause of aging. The coenzyme Q10 reductase (NQO1) enzyme converts coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) to its reduced form, ubiquinol, which scavenges free radicals in the mitochondria and lipid membranes.ix Some individuals have a SNP in the NQO1 gene that slows the reduction of ubiquinone to ubiquinol, resulting in very low blood levels of this key antioxidant. Consequently, people with this SNP are at high risk of free radical attack.x Because NQO1 is also involved in the detoxification of compounds foreign to the body, a SNP in the NQO1 gene may cause aberrant cellular changes.

Supportive ingredients: Ubiquinone or Ubiquinol —  Depends on which form of CoQ10 your body can metabolize. You don’t know unless you run a genetic test.

Superoxide Gene™ Free Radical Defense – SNP 4: SOD2 (Manganese Superoxide Dimutase) — The SOD2 enzyme is also involved in scavenging free radicals. However, SOD2 is focused on one particularly toxic type of free radical: superoxide.xi Since the superoxide radical is produced in abundance in all cells, it is the starting point for the free radical chain of production. SOD2 has the distinction of being the only enzyme in the mitochondria that can neutralize superoxide.xii Individuals with a SNP in this gene therefore have a weak first line of defense against free radicals.

Supportive ingredients include: Spirulina powder (Arthrospira platensis ), Oxyphyte® Green Tea extract [(Camellia sinensis) standardized to 90% Polyphenols], Oxyphyte® White Tea extract (Camellia sinensis ) standardized to 90% Polyphenols], Bilberry extract [(Vaccinium myrtillus) standardized to 5% anthocyanins], Vitamin B3 (as Niacinamide).

Lung and Breast Tissue Gene™  — SNP 5: GPX1 (Glutathione Peroxidase 1) — The GPX1 antioxidant enzyme specifically scavenges hydrogen peroxide, a reactive oxygen species. GPX1 is a selenoprotein, meaning it incorporates selenium into its protein structure.xiii Therefore, how much GPX1 a person produces is dependent on their selenium level.13 A SNP on the GPX1 gene can reduce a person’s ability to utilize selenium.xiv,xv That means higher-than-normal selenium intake is needed to afford protection to hydrogen peroxide-sensitive tissues, particularly lung and breast tissues.

Supportive ingredients include: Proprietary blend: Citrus Bioflavonoids powder (Citrus limonium, Citrus paradise and Citrus sinensis ), Milk Thistle extract [(Silybum marianum) standardized to 80% silymarin], Astragalus Root powder ( Astragalus membranaceus), Ginkgo Biloba extract [(Ginkgo biloba) standardized to 24% Flavoglycosides/6% Terpene Lactones], Oxyphyte® Grape Skin extract [(Vitis vinifera) standardized to 10% resveratrol], Alpha Lipoic Acid, Organic Blueberry extract [(Vaccinium angustifolium) standardized to 2% polyphenols], Organic Black Currant extract [( Ribes nigrum) standardized to 2% polyphenols], Tumeric extract [(Curcuma longa) standardized to 95% curcumin], Garlic Powder (Allium sativum), Selenium (as Selenium Amino Acid Chelate). Citrus Bioflavonoids powder (Citrus limonium, Citrus paradise and Citrussinensis ), Milk Thistle extract [(Silybum marianum) standardized to 80% silymarin], Astragalus Rootpowder ( Astragalus membranaceus), Ginkgo Biloba extract [(Ginkgo biloba) standardized to24% Flavoglycosides/6% Terpene Lactones], Oxyphyte® Grape Skin extract [(Vitis vinifera) standardizedto 10% resveratrol], Alpha Lipoic Acid, Organic Blueberry extract [(Vaccinium angustifolium) standardized to 2% polyphenols], Organic Black Currant extract [( Ribes nigrum) standardized to 2% polyphenols],Tumeric extract [(Curcuma longa) standardized to 95% curcumin], Garlic Powder (Allium sativum),Selenium (as Selenium Amino Acid Chelate).

Collagen Health Gene™ — SNP 6: MMP-1 (Matrix Metalloproteinase) — Collagen is the main component of cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and bone. It is constantly synthesized and broken down in an on-going cycle. MMP1, also known as collagenase, is an enzyme that degrades collagen. People with a SNP in the MMP1 gene produce collagenase at an increased rate, which means their bodies may break down collagen faster than they can rebuild it.xviii,xix These individuals will likely benefit from added support for collagen-rich structures such as the bones and joints.

Supportive ingredients include: Tomato powder [(Solanum lycopersicum) standardized to 0.8% lycopene], Oxyphyte® White Tea extract [(Camellia sinensis) standardized to 90% polyphenols], Oxyphyte® Grape Seed extract [(Vitis vinifera) standardized to 95% polyphenols].

Cardiovascular Gene ™ — SNP 7: MTRR ( Methionine Sythase Reductase) — Homocysteine is a metabolite of the amino acid methionine. Research has shown it is important to control homocysteine levels in order to preserve cardiovascular health.xx,xxi,xxii One of the body’s methods for keeping homocysteine levels in check is the MTRR enzyme, which transforms homocysteine back to either methionine or cysteine.xxiii When an individual has a SNP in the MTRR gene, their ability to clear homocysteine from the blood may be hindered. However, only certain population groups appear to be negatively affected by this SNP.

Supportive ingredients include: Trimethylglycine, Zinc (as Zinc Amino Acid Chelate), Dong Quai extract [(Angelica sinensis) standardized to 1.0% Ligustilide], Vitamin B3 (as Niacinamide), Vitamin B2, (as Riboflavin), Vitamin B12 (as Cyanocobalamin), Vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxine hydrochloride), Folate (as folic acid). Trimethylglycine, Zinc(as Zinc Amino Acid Chelate), Dong Quai extract [(Angelica sinensis) standardized to 1.0% Ligustilide], Vitamin B3 (as Niacinamide), Vitamin B2, (as Riboflavin), Vitamin B12 (as Cyanocobalamin), Vitamin B6(as Pyridoxine hydrochloride), Folate (as folic acid).

Cardiovascular Enzyme Gene™  — SNP 8: MTHFR (Methylene Tetrahydrofolate Reductase) — Like the MTRR enzyme, the MTHFR enzyme is responsible for reducing blood levels of homocysteine. People with a SNP in the MTHFR gene manufacture defective enzymes that can’t clear homocysteine from the blood efficiently. Research has shown there is a direct association between a SNP in the MRHFR gene and elevated levels of homocysteine,xxvi particularly in those with low levels of folate.

Supportive ingredients include: Trimethylglycine, Choline Bitartrate, L-methlyfolate.

Inflammation Response Gene™ — SNP 9: TNF-a (Tumor Necrosis Factor – a) — Inflammation is a response of the immune system to a perceived attack. While it is a helpful response in the short-term, if inflammation continues on-going, it can negatively affect the cells, tissues, and ultimately, the organs. TNF- is a cytokine (a chemical messenger of the immune system) that plays a role in inflammatory processes. Individuals with a SNP on the TNF- gene may have an over-reactive inflammation mechanism,which can negatively affect the joints,xxviii brain,xxix lungs,xxx and heart.xxxi

Supportive ingredients include: Milk Thistle extract [(Silybum marianum) standardized to 80% Silymarin], Oxyphyte® Green Tea extract [(Camellia sinensis) standardized to 90% Polyphenols], Pomegranate extract [( Punica granatum) standardized to 40% Ellagic Acid], Oxyphyte® Grape Seed extract [(Vitis vinifera) standardized to 95% polyphenols].

Cholesterol Oxidation Gene™  — SNP10: PON-1 (Paraxonase 1) — While it used to be thought that high cholesterol posed a health issue in and of itself, it is now believed that cholesterol only becomes a problem once the cholesterol carrier, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), becomes oxidized (attacked by free radicals). The PON1 enzyme attaches itself to high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which protects both HDL and LDL from oxidation.xxxii Due to common SNPs in the PON1 gene, blood levels of PON1 can vary by a factor of 10 to 40-fold among different individuals.xxxiii,xxxiv Those with low levels of PON1 have higher levels of oxidized LDL, which can lead to diminished cardiovascular health.xxxv,xxxvi

Supportive ingredients include: Organic Reshi Mushroom extract (Granoderma lucidum), Organic Shitake Mushroom extract (Lentinus edodes), Maitake Mushroom extract [(Grifola frondosa) standardized to 20% polysaccharides], Vitamin E (as dl-alpha tocopherol acetate).

Blood Pressure Gene™ — SNP 11: CYP11B2 (Aldosterone Synthase) — Maintaining blood pressure within the normal range is essential to a healthy heart. The CYP11B2 gene encodes an enzyme called aldosterone synthase, which plays a role in regulating blood pressure. A SNP on the CYP11B2 gene can decrease the ability of blood vessels to relax and constrict in response to changing demands for blood flow.xxxvii (For example, extra blood flow is needed during exercise.) That inability of the vessels to respond properly can set the stage for cardiovascular issues down the road.xxxviii

Supportive ingredients include: Potassium (as Tripotassium citrate monohydrate), Organic Hawthorn Berry extract [(Crataegus laevigata) standardized to 1.5% polyphenols/0.5% flavonoids], Magnesium (as Magnesium Citrate), Acerola Cherry Extract [( Malpighia glabra) standardized to 17% Vitamin C], Garlic powder (Allium sativum). Potassium (as Tripotassium citrate monohydrate), Organic Hawthorn Berry extract [(Crataegus laevigata) standardized to 1.5% polyphenols/0.5% flavonoids], Magnesium (as Magnesium Citrate), Acerola Cherry Extract[( Malpighia glabra) standardized to 17% Vitamin C], Garlic powder (Allium sativum).

Cholesterol Gene™ — SNP 12: ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) — Cholesterol is carried through the bloodstream on various lipoproteins: low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). Apolipoproteins make up the protein part of lipoproteins. One of the more researched apolipoproteins is apolipoprotein B (ApoB); it constitutes the protein component of LDL, the “bad” kind of cholesterol carrier. In fact, without ApoB, LDL cannot form. Because people with SNPs on the ApoB gene have higher ApoB levels, they experience moderate increases in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides,xxxix,xl,xli,xlii as well as impaired glucose tolerancexliii and increased blood lipid response after meals.xli

Supportive ingredients include: Oxyphyte® Green Tea extract [(Camellia sinensis) standardized to 90% polyphenols], Pomegranate extract [( Punica granatum) standardized to 40% ellagic acid], Artichoke extract [(Cynara scolymus) standardized to 4% chlorogenic acid/9% caffeolyquinic acid], Oxyphyte® Grape Skin extract [(Vitis vinifera) standardized to 10% resveratrol].

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