Genetic Testing and Counselling Sydney

• Do you need to understand more about your genetic make-up?

• Have you been having health problems no one can explain and you keep getting no answers?

• Do you know that you can improve your health and performance by considering your genetic make-up?

• Did you know with expert help you can improve your genetic-make up and prevent many disease states?

Dr Tracie O’Keefe DCH, BHSc, is an expert in creating and restoring health as a naturopathic practitioner and medical nutritionist. Her treatment involves not just helping you overcome disease states but also moving you forward to excellent health. Tracie is also an extreme athlete, as well as an experienced naturopath and mental health professional.

Looking at your genetic profile helps us understand:

• How healthy your genes are at this moment in time

• The length of your telomeres and your possible expected life span

• Your pre-disposition towards metabolic dysfunction

• Problems you and you baby could encounter during and after pregnancy

• What you need to do next to overcome genetic problems

All testing is done within the context of a naturopathic medicine consultation because we believe the you need a professional to determine what tests you need and make the right recommendations for what we might find.

We make the appropriate recommendations or referrals according to the results of testing. We never compromise on the level of care we give.

A positive result for genetic polymorphism (deviation of gene) may not necessarily mean the process of a biological dysfunction or presence of disease but it can indicate the possible potential of future problems according to published research.

What is important to remember is that knowing the results can help us guide in compensating for the results by making changes in your life, or in some cases help you stop a disease developing in the first place.

Since many genetic polymorphism findings may also affect your mental health, we also provide mental health support and guidance and help you to move forward in a positive and healthy way.

We profile genes for:

MTFR Gene

Folate cycle defects affect physical and mental health. The most common polymorphism is C677T and A1298C although over 30 have been identified. These can lead to high levels of homocysteine, elevated risk of thromboembolism, CVD, stroke, reduced fertility, elevated risk of neural tube defects among children of individuals with the C677T as well of other diseases. These polymorphisms can lead to feeling of tiredness, exhaustion and mood disorders. Treatment is devised according to the specific results and patient symptomology profile.

APOE Genes E2, E3 & E4

Disturbances in lipid production and processing increases risk of cardio-vascular problems, atherosclerosis, neurological problems and Alzheimer’s disease known as Familial Alzheimer’s disease (FAD), arteriosclerosis, hypertension. E2 raised the risk by up to 40%, E3 seems not to increase the risk but is the most common polymorphism, having one copy of E4 increases the risk of onset at lower age, having one copy of E4 (E3/E4)  together increase  risk by 2 to 3 and two copies (E4/E4) increase risk by 12 times. Treatment involves strict dietary regulation and supplementation to reduce risk of disease activation.

FTO Gene

Alpha-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase (Fat mass and obesity-associated protein)  an enzyme in humans encoded by the FTO gene. Energy expenditure, appetite regulation, the circadian rhythm and risk of Alzheimer’s are all affected by polymorphism with a suggestion that people affected react neurologically differently to food. Weight increases can lead to metabolic syndrome, higher fasting insulin, glucose, and elevated triglycerides, with reduced HDL. With treatment appetite and body mass can be controlled.

CYP1A2 Gene

Processing of exogenous chemicals, drugs and toxins. Polymorphisms interfere with the efficiency of desired processing of exogenous substances. Results can determine whether to make changes reducing any side effects and increasing metabolism and reducing undesired effects and disease states.

GST family of Genes, GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1 Genes

Detoxification phase II, vitamin C and glutathione deficiency. Glutathione pathways are part of the body’s major detoxification processes. Polymorphism can result in increases in asthma, atherosclerosis, allergies,  inflammations and certain risk of onset of cancers. Treatment involves dramatically improving glutathione production to reduce risk.

SOD 1, SOD2, SOD3 Genes

Energy metabolism, free radical control, copper buffering, phosphate activation, zinc homeostasis and immunomodulation, familial AIS. SOD1 is involved in apoptosis and familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Polymorphism may increase reactive oxidative species (ROS) increasing oxidative stress. During conception increased oxidative stress is thought to increase the likelihood of a Down Syndrome child. Treatment require changes in diet, life style and possibly supplementation to reduce oxidative damage.

SOD 2’s function aide apoptosis which induce sick or injured cells to die and be carried away by the white blood cells.  Polymorphism in SOD2 dramatically increase oxidative stress and has be implicated in idiopathic cardiomyopathy (IDC), sporadic motor neuron disease premature aging, and cancer. Treatment require changes in diet, life style and possibly supplementation to reduce oxidative damage.

SO3 encodes production superoxide dismutase (SOD) protein family helping protect the brain, lunges and other tissues form oxidative damage. Polymorphism reduces this protection leading to a higher risk of diseases states due to ROS and oxidative stress. Treatment require changes in diet, life style and possibly supplementation to reduce oxidative damage.

HLA Genes

Immune regulation, possible coeliac disease.

EstroGenomic Profile

Estrogen metabolism, inflammation, coagulation, thrombosis, cardiovascular disease, stroke, breast cancer, bone health.

Gut Microbial Testing

Assessing the gut’s microflora to assess the level of good necessary bacteria in the gut and the presence of unwanted infection or infestation.

Paternity and Maternity Genetic Testing

As Dr Tracie O’Keefe DCH, ND, is also a family therapist, we do provide a counselling and testing service around determining if you are the biological parent of a child.

Parental and Ancestry Genetic Testing

As Dr Tracie O’Keefe DCH, ND, is also a family therapist, we do provide a counselling and testing service around determining if your parents and relatives are the biological relatives.

Skin Ageing Genetics Test

Profiles genes associated with advanced skin ageing.

Make your appointment for Genetic Testing and Counselling in our Sydney Clinic with Dr Tracie O’Keefe DCH, BHSc, ND by calling now 02 8021 6429