6 Most Common Hereditary or genetic diseases
It is normal to say that a hereditary disease "runs in the family" about a genetic condition. It may be transmitted from one or even both parents to a child, who is then given the possibility of passing it on to his or her offspring. When discussing hereditary diseases, you can hear the terms "hereditary" and "genetic" used simultaneously. This is because genetic mutations are the root cause of hereditary diseases. However, even if a genetic condition is the result of a mutated gene, it does not necessarily follow that it is inherited. These mutations take place by accident or as a result of a factor in environmental conditions. They are not infectious like diseases that are transmitted from parents to children in the form of genetic diseases.
There are four different kinds of inherited genetic disorders, which are:
- Single gene inheritance.
- Multiple-factor inheritance.
- chromosomal abnormalities.
- Mitochondrial transmission.
The most common genetic disorders or hereditary diseases
1. Sickle Cell Disease
It's a genetic disorder that affects a large percentage of the population. The genetic disorder known as sickle cell disease is carried on by mutations in one of the genes that are responsible for encoding the hemoglobin protein. Sickle-shaped red blood cells are formed when an irregular hemoglobin protein is present in the circulation. The condition causes significant damage to the kidneys, heart, and lungs, as well as a long-term condition known as anemia. The most common kind of genetic blood condition is known as sickle cell disease. If both of a baby's parents have the sickle cell disease gene, there is a one in four chance that the child will be born with sickle cell disease. If a child receives just one copy of the gene mutation either from a parent, there is a typical possibility that the child will not develop sickle cell disease, but there is a risk that the child will have the sickle cell trait. This chance is equivalent to 50 percent.
2. Cystic Fibrosis
It is another inherited condition or genetic problem that affects a significant number of people. A mutation in a single gene is responsible for the development of cystic fibrosis (CF), which is a genetic disorder that affects the cells that are responsible for producing mucus, perspiration, and digestive secretions. The mucus thickens and becomes sticky, harming the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems of the body. Infants who inherit only one copy of the gene mutation are considered to be carriers of the gene, and they can pass it on to their children in the future. However, children who receive two copies of the gene mutation, one from each parent, are more likely to suffer from cystic fibrosis than children who inherit only one copy of the gene.
3. Muscle Dystrophy
The majority of children who are affected with muscle dystrophy are born with this condition. Muscular dystrophy is triggered when there is a problem with the synthesis of proteins that are essential for the development of healthy muscles. Although the condition may harm individuals of any age or race, it commonly develops itself in childhood. The symptoms related to the disease included persistent weakness in the muscles and a loss of muscular mass. There are several varieties of muscular dystrophy, the most common of which is called Duchenne and typically affects young males. People who have a history of this condition in their family are at a greater risk of having it again since the majority of its symptoms are hereditary.
4. Tay-Sachs
There are a variety of disorders that could be transmitted along from generation to generation. The lethal genetic disorder known as Tay-Sachs disease (TSD) causes the continuous breakdown of the neurological system throughout its development. It is caused by abnormalities in the genes that cause an enzyme called hexosaminidase-A (Hex-A), which is completely essential for life, to be absent. Those who are carriers of this defective gene have a one-in-two probability of also passing the gene on to their children. The person is considered to be a carrier of the Tay-Sachs disease if they have received even a single gene mutation. The children will be affected by this condition if they receive a mutated version of the gene from either one or both of their parents.
5. Haemophilia
Haemophilia is a genetic disorder or disease that typically inherits from family members and is transmitted from one generation to another. Hemophilia is a disorder that is identified by a deficiency in blood coagulation, which results in abnormal bleeding. This disorder is seen more commonly in men. The X chromosome, which is responsible for gender determination, is the location of the gene that causes hemophilia. Because men have both an X and a Y chromosome, they only get one copy of the X chromosome from their fathers (from their mother). Therefore, if their mother is a carrier of the defective gene, they have a greater probability of receiving hemophilia themselves. One of the two copies of the X chromosome that females inherit (one from their mother and one from their father), one of which normally contains an unaffected copy of the gene, is commonly known as the "normal" copy. This indicates that the majority of females who have the gene mutation are carriers of this condition, even though they do not show any signs or symptoms of having this condition.
6. Huntington's Disease
Huntington's disease is a genetic disorder that typically leads itself during the mid-years of life. It causes the continuous death of nerve cells in the brain, which ultimately causes a decrease in both brain and muscle function. This condition is an autosomal dominant disorder, which means that to receive the ailment, a person requires only one copy of the gene mutation in their body. Since the disease is caused by an inherited deficiency in a single gene, it is a hereditary disorder. A child that has parental responsibility and is a carrier of a gene mutation has a 50% possibility of inheriting this condition. This is because each parent can pass on either a normal copy of the gene or a copy that is mutated.
Conclusion:
When a mutation happens to your genes or chromosomes, it can cause a genetic disorder. Some manifest their symptoms as early as at birth or later in their childhood. It is imperative that you get medical attention from a specialist if you or a member of your family has been diagnosed with a genetic condition. You can also know the likelihood of developing genetic disorders by consulting a doctor.
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