Methylation (methylation); It is a biochemical process that takes place in DNA and some protein sequences, where our genetic codes are stored. Although all body cells have the same genetic material, they are differentiated by methylations, which is a natural genetic modification.
The metabolic pathway (pathway) is the chemical reactions that occur by being altered by enzymes inside the cell. The pathways found for the cell intersect in common compounds to form complex structures called metabolic networks. It is these pathways that make up our metabolism.
The methylation cycle is that these pathways need methyl groups for biochemical reactions in our body. (Methyl: It is the first step in the series of saturated hydrocarbon radicals. In scientific terms, CH3: A compound consisting of 1 carbon and 3 hydrogens.) As a result of the replacement of a hydrogen atom with a methyl group, methylation occurs .
As a result of our genes being mutated (permanent changes in the DNA or RNA sequence in a living thing's genome), the pathways cannot fulfill their natural functions and the methylation cycle function can be disrupted.
Methylation; It is an epigenetic mechanism that affects prenatal embryonic development and postnatal development as a result of the interaction of environmental factors. (Epigenetics: External environmental factors other than DNA sequence affect and control the genetics of the individual.) It also plays a role in the emergence of many diseases. If we list some health problems caused by the loss of function in the methylation cycle;
Psychiatric diseases:
30% of the population has irregularity in methylation function. In people with slow methylation cycle; Obsessive tendencies, lack of attention and concentration, ambitious and competitive personality structure, perfectionism, high libido, antisocial personality structure are observed. In people with high methylation cycle; Hyperactivity, constant worry and anxiety, low libido, tendency to gain weight, low motivation and paranoid behaviors are observed.
Methylation disorder, which is closely related to general health and diseases; It can be detected by genetic tests and tests called Methylation Cycle Panel. Genetic tests, especially the MTHFR gene, which plays a role in methylation disorder, are used to investigate the factors causing gene mutations. People with MTHFR gene mutations may have a normal methylation cycle. Therefore, it is not enough to have genetic tests alone. Functional methylation capacity should be evaluated by performing the Methylation Cycle Panel Test together with genetic screening tests.
With the Methylation Cycle Panel Test, SAM-e (S-Adenosyl Methionine: methyl donor that reduces the continuation of metabolic functions and structural damage), SAH (S-Adenosyl Homocysteine: methylation inhibitor), GSSG (oxidized glutathione) for the levels of glutathione, the most powerful antioxidant produced by the body and GSH (reduced glutathione) measurements are made and their relationship with each other is examined. Methyl supplementation (methyl folate or methylcobalamin) may be required in the treatment of people who have a methylation disorder detected by the Methylation Panel Test. In addition, personalized nutrition and B12, B9 (folate), B6, B5, etc. supplements are applied.
Genetic testing, called the Methylation Panel, provides insight into patients about many physical and mental illnesses: