DNA Skin: Oxidation, Detoxification, & Inflammation

The health of our skin is critical. It is constantly being exposed to many damaging items. However, it is one of the last things we think about to protect. Part of taking care of our skin is protecting it from oxidative stress, toxins, performing regular detoxification, and ensuring we have minimal inflammation. However, just like other factors in life, some of us are genetically pre-disposed to specific issues regarding the skin and its health. To best help our patients with their skin health, we use DNA Skin from DNA Life. It is a genetic test that allows us to gain insight on what areas they are genetically predisposed to and what steps we can take to best protect them. A sample of the test is shown below: 

Genes

The first section of genes we look at in DNA Skin are the genes that code for antioxidant enzymes. It has been shown that increased amounts of oxidative stress lead to an accelerated aging process and premature skin aging. Some toxins that we are exposed to in the environment include cigarette smoke, smoked foods, and high sugar dietary items. 

Oxidation

SOD2 

This encodes for the superoxide dismutase enzyme. The key role of this is to destroy free radicals in the cells. Free radicals are damaging to the body and our systems. For those who have the CC genotype, they have a high impact. The CT shows a moderate impact, and the T shows no impact. The main reason those with a CC genotype are at the highest impact is that the C allele has been known to cause abnormal function and distribution of the enzyme. For more information, please refer to Gene Cards, The Human Gene DataBase. 

GPX1 

This encodes for one of the most abundant selenoperoxidase enzymes that are expressed through all tissues in the body. The function is to convert hydrogen peroxide into the water to better maintain the redox balance. The CC genotype has no impact, the CT has a moderate impact and a TT genotype has a high impact. With the T allele, we see decreased activity in the enzyme, therefore leaving the body to have an increased risk of oxidative stress buildup, leading to premature skin aging. For more information, please refer to Gene Cards, The Human Gene DataBase. 

CAT 

Catalase is highly expressed int he liver and kidneys. We need catalase to help with the conversion of hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen. The CC genotype is beneficial while the CT genotype shows a low risk. The TT genotype has moderate risk. The reason being is that the TT genotype has been associated with decreased CAT activity. It is important that individuals are using protective agents to help serve as a barrier between their skin and the sun as well as eating an abundance of fruits and vegetables to increase vitamin intake. For more information, please refer to GeneCards, The Human Gene DataBase. 

Detoxification

As mentioned earlier, the detoxification of enzymes will help to clear compounds like toxins and pollutants from our system. The human body has two methods of detoxification. They are broken down into phase 1 and phase 2, both are necessary for proper health. 

NQO1 

This detoxification or recycling enzyme is involved with detoxification and protecting the body against tobacco smoke and poor diet. Additionally, it serves a purpose in helping protect our cells from oxidative stress by maintaining vitamin E. The TT genotype has a high impact, the TC has moderate impact and the CC has no impact. Those who have the T allele are more likely to have skin sensitivity. Gene Cards, The Human Gene DataBase.

EPHX1

This is a detoxification enzyme that helps clean and excretes toxins like smoke and chemical cleaners from the body. The CC genotype has a high impact, the CT has a moderate impact, and TT has no impact. For those who have the risk alleles, it is important that they use SPF and are careful about the toxins surrounding them in the environment. Additionally, supplementation like vitamin C, curcumin, and NAC have been shown helpful to increase the detoxification process. For more information, please refer to Gene Cards, The Human Gene DataBase.

Inflammation 

Inflammation is natural and the body needs it to properly function. However, excessive amounts of inflammation is what causes body issues. Inflammation is used in tissue healing and is controlled by genes. When the inflammation genes do not get shut off, we see an increased inflammatory response. Often time, increased inflammation has been linked to skin sensitivity. 

IL6

This encodes for a pro-inflammatory cytokine, ultimately leading to the release of CRP. The GG genotype shows no impact, the GC shows the moderate impact, and the CC genotype shows a high impact. With this gene, we see that the C allele leads to an increased expression of CRP and skin sensitivity. For more information, please refer to Gene Cards, The Human Gene DataBase. 

IL6-R 

Similar to above, this is a receptor that influences the pro-inflammatory IL-6 cytokine action. The AA genotype shows no impact, the AC shows a moderate impact and the CC genotype shows a high impact. The C allele has been shown to have increased chronic low-grade inflammation and individuals tend to have more sensitive skin. For more information, please refer to Gene Cards, The Human Gene DataBase. 

CRP 

C-Reactive Protein assists in binding to damaged cells and enhancing macrophages. This is important to our body’s immunity regulation by destroying damaged cells and other foreign bodies. The GG genotype has a high impact, the GA has a moderate impact, and the AA genotype has no impact. With this variation, we see that the F allele leads to higher levels of CRP and low-grade inflammation. For more information, please refer to Gene Cards, The Human Gene Data Base.

TNFA

This encodes for a pro-inflammatory cytokine that is involved in regulating inflammation throughout the body. For those who have the A allele, they tend to have an increased expression of TNFA, known for low-grade inflammation and skin sensitivity. The AA genotype has a high impact, the GA has a moderate impact, and the GG genotype has no impact. For more information, please refer to GeneCards, The Human Gene DataBase.

For those who are more prone to inflammation, it is important that they use products containing vitamin B3 and follow an anti-inflammatory diet that focuses on omega 3 fatty acids, curcumin, and ginger. 

Oxidative stress can be extremely negative to the body’s essential systems, especially if it gets out of control. One natural way to help your body and skin recover from oxidative stress is to get regular chiropractic adjustments. By releasing the joints, the nervous system will be able to function more effectively. Additionally, the regulation of signaling pathways between cellular health and skeletal muscle will be improved. “Regulation of oxidative stress in skeletal muscles” provides more information on this topic.

Test Pairing 

Similar to other health conditions, one of the best things we can do to promote optimal overall health is to ensure our bodies are receiving enough micronutrients (essential vitamins and minerals). This will help us see what our body needs more of in order to complete its metabolic functions. The micronutrient test we use is from SpectraCell. A sample report is shown below:

Protecting the skin against oxidative stress, inflammation, and helping it undergo proper detoxification will go a long way. Knowing what you are genetically predisposed to can help you alter your skincare products, time in the sun, and diet to give your skin a better chance. -Kenna Vaughn, Senior Health Coach 

References: 

Beyfuss K, Hood DA. A systematic review of p53 regulation of oxidative stress in skeletal muscle. Redox Rep. 2018;23(1):100-117. doi:10.1080/13510002.2017.1416773

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We also use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, and subject cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico