Genetic testing, also known as DNA testing, identifies changes in the DNA sequence or structure of chromosomes.
Genetic testingis an innovative and efficiently working method of research backed by science and proven to be effective in health care. Genetic tests provide significant amount of information that cannot be obtained through any other type of research.
Prevention and lifestyle
Genetic tests allow a better understanding of each person’s individual genetic response to a particular lifestyle that includes diet, exercise and need for supplementation. Based on the results trained specialists can develop highly effective, customized programs for prevention, nutrition and training.
Prevention and diagnosis
Genetic tests are used for medical diagnostics. They can predict the risk of certain diseases and conditions and provide information that can personalize treatments based on the person’s individual genetics.
How does the study work?
The DNA molecule is the heart of genetic testing. DNA carries our genetic code and determines traits that vary from the color of our eyes to our character. Each cell in our bodies starts its existence from one cell with our genetic information, coded in the DNA molecule. All human cells (with minor exceptions) contain our complete DNA in their nuclei.
For our portfolio of “Prevention and lifestyle” DNA is isolated from buccal mucosa. This is an easy, painless, and convenient way to take DNA sample by using sterile swab that is inserted into the oral cavity.
For our portfolio of “Prevention and diagnostics” tests DNA is isolated from peripheral blood. A process called Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is then used to copy the DNA repeatedly to obtain an amount sufficient to analyze the genetic material. Then, the DNA sequence is identified in the target genes.
Selection of studied genes
Prevention and lifestyle
Certain polymorphisms in these genes have been studied in detail, and there is evidence that they are related to specific biological processes such as individual weight regulation and response to particular diet and exercise. Once the presence or absence of such polymorphisms has been proved, areas related to these specific genes may be identified where intervention is required in order to achieve a highly efficient lifestyle change.
Several thousands of genes have an impact on weight control, lifestyle-related diseases and sports potential. NutriGen tests analyze selection of gene variants scientifically proven to interact with the environment and have measurable impact on diet and lifestyle changes.
All gene variations included in the tests are selected according to strict scientific standards. The aim of the selection is to identify a strong interaction between the particular gene and the external environment.
Sports and DNA
Sports success is the result of a complex combination of the influence of genetic and environmental factors. Studies show that genetic potential accounts for 50% to 70% of achievements. It has been proved that variations in human genes influence the potential for achievement, revealing which athletes have genetic advantage in given sports and how quickly they would recover after a race or injury.
Find out more about the NGSport test.
Diet and DNA
Genetic factors account for 40% to 80% of body weight differences. Apart from our genes, our nutritional needs also depend on our age and the environment we live in. They are subject of a relatively new type of food science called customized nutrition. By nutrient analysis, we can identify the specific needs of each individual and, by appropriate means, develop nutrition plan that will lead to optimal intake of nutrients and natural weight maintenance.
Find out more about the NGDiet test.
Health and DNA
Genetic variants in genes that take part in eight major metabolic processes (lipid metabolism; vitamin B metabolism; detoxification; oxidative stress; bone strength; inflammation; insulin resistance; storage-lactose response, bitter taste, caffeine; alcohol and iron metabolism) can have significant role in maintaining good health and fitness. They can be positivelyinfluenced by personalized nutrition and adequate physical activity.
Find out more about the NGHealth test.
Estrogen and DNA
There are gene variants that are thought to cause difficulties in the process of estrogen metabolism and detoxification. Estrogen levels determine the way in which key biological processes occur in the body. Disturbed hormonal balance can lead to a number of estrogen-dependent diseases. Identifying people who are carriers of such genetic variations allows them to make changes in their lifestyle according to their genetic profile, optimize estrogen uptake and create the conditions necessary for maintaining hormonal balance.
Find out more about the NGEstrogen test.
Mental health and DNA
Mental illnesses include a wide range of psychiatric disorders that affect mood, thoughts and behavior. Genetic variations have been found to play a crucial role in maintaining good mental health. Unfavorable gene variants can lead to neurodegenerative disorders, mood disorders, addictive behavior and risk taking.
Find out more about the NGMind test.
Skin and DNA
Genetic variations have been associated with melanin metabolism, collagen balance, body response to inflammation, ability to protect against UV rays and free radicals. Based on these genetic differences, a dermagenetic risk profile is created that allows the implementationof personalized prevention programs by providing programmed skin care process.
Find out more about the NGDerm test.
Prevention and diagnosis
The tests we offer in the Prevention and Diagnostic category examine panels of genes for mutations that have been scientifically proven to be associated with significantly increased risk of disease development – hereditary cancers, cardiovascular, metabolic disorders, etc. In these cases, genetic testing can help identify or rule out a specific genetic condition or confirm a diagnosis. The tests are informativefor carrier screening infamilies with history of genetic disease in order to avoid mutation transmission in the offspring. Some of the tests in this category investigate gene variations among people, revealing information about individual response to medication.
One of the major steps in overcoming some of the most common diseases involves taking adequate preventative measures. The increasedrisk of developing genetic diseases can be significantly reduced if the necessary precautions are taken. These include both active changes in our lifestyle, frequent screening or early diagnosis that could increase the treatment success rate.
Inherited diseases and DNA
The genetic test NGHeritagedeterminesthe predisposition to inherited diseases, ways to prevent and establish effective therapy.The test offersparallel analysis of 552selected genes, pathogenic mutations in which have been proven to play a key role in inherited diseasepredisposition. The test is highly informative and can be used to prevent the development or progression of existing inherited diseases as well as to clarify the risks, allowing opportunity for prevention and early diagnosis among the youngest family members.
Find out more about the NGHeritage test.
Cancer and DNA
Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. The genetic test NGOncology determines the susceptibility to inherited cancer, ways to prevent and establish effective therapy.The test offers parallel analysis of 94 selected genes, pathogenic mutations in which have been proven to play a key role in inherited cancer syndromes. The test is highly informative and can be used to prevent the development or progression of existing oncological diseases as well as to clarify the risks, allowing opportunity for prevention and early diagnosis among the youngest family members.
Find out more about the NGOncology test.
Breast and ovarian cancerand DNA
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed and the second leading cause of death in women worldwide. Each year, between 3,000 and 4,000 women in Bulgaria are diagnosed with breast cancer. It is estimated that 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer in their lifetime. The genetic test NG BRCA1 + BRCA2 determines the susceptibility to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC), ways to prevent and establish effective therapy.
Find out more about the NG BRCA1+BRCA2test.
Cardiovascular diseases and DNA
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. Genetic variations in genes that control every aspect of the cardiovascular system can influence the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease. The genetic test NGCardiologydetermines the predisposition to hereditary cardiovascular diseases, ways to prevent and establish effective therapy. The test offers parallel analysis of 174 selected genes, pathogenic mutations in which have been associated with 17 different cardiac conditions.The gene panel is expertly selected to focus on those cardiovascular diseases with the highest heredity.
Find out more about the NGCardiology test.
Diabetes and DNA
Diabetes is the 8th cause of death worldwide. The genetic test NGDiabetesdetermines the susceptibility todiabetes and diabetes-related conditions, ways to prevent and establish effective therapy.The test offers parallel analysis of 99selected genes,pathogenic mutations in which have been associated with diabetes and diabetes-related conditions, as well as pharmacogenetic variants that determine response to a variety of drugs.
Find out more about the NGDiabetes test.
DNA and your baby
Cell-free DNA fragments originated from both the mother and fetus are present in maternal blood circulation.DNA-based non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) has introduced a highly accurate screening strategy for fetal chromosomal abnormalities. NIPT uses blood sample from the pregnant mother to analyze the cell-free fetal DNA for fetal chromosomal conditions, such as Down syndrome, Patausyndrome,Edward syndrome, microdelection and microduplication syndromes, that could cause defect to a baby’s health.
Find out more about the NiftyPro test.