Risk Factors

Lethal Combinations

Add a bad choice to a bad gene, and you have double trouble

By: Denny Watkins

SOURCE: MEN'S HEALTH MAGAZINE

Genetics researchers are focusing on so-called probabilistic gene mutations, which increase your chances of developing a disease when combined with a specific environmental condition. The research is still in its infancy, but eventually, scientists say, you'll be able to undergo a series of genetic tests that will reveal the diseases you have the most risk factors for. Here are a few recently discovered fatal combinations.

Condition: Colon Cancer

Mutant Gene: Serpina1, which, when working properly, protects the body from its own immune system; the mutant version causes a protein deficiency

Plus This Risk Factor: Smoking

Increases Your Risk By . . . 2,000 percent

Prevalence of Mutation: 1 in 2,500 people; more common in Caucasians

Genetic Test Available? Yes

Condition: Heart Disease

Mutant Gene: LDLRAP1, which normally regulates levels of cholesterol but, when flawed, lets it balloon to 350 or more

Plus This Risk Factor: Eating a high-fat diet

Increases Your Risk By . . . 1,000 percent

Prevalence of Mutation: 1 in 500 people

Genetic Test Available? Yes

Condition: Stroke

Mutant Gene: F5, which helps blood coagulate. When the gene is mutated, blood becomes abnormally sticky and more likely to clot.

Plus This Risk Factor: Being overweight or smoking

Increases Your Risk By . . . 3 to 8 percent

Prevalence of Mutation: 5 percent of the population

Genetic Test Available? Yes