Digestion, immunity, and metabolism

Why is the state of the digestive system and immunity linked to genetic factors?

The GI tract and the immune system are closely linked: the gut immune system concentrates a significant proportion of the body's immune cells, and chronic inflammation of the mucosa can trigger systemic autoimmune reactions. Genetic variants affect how prone the mucosa is to inflammation, how the body responds to certain pathogens, how quickly the liver neutralizes toxins, and how efficiently cells use glucose.

For example, variants in genes involved in regulating the immune response in the gut increase susceptibility to conditions such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, regardless of diet and lifestyle. Genetic features of the enzymatic activity of the pancreas and biliary system affect the efficiency of fat and carbohydrate digestion. Microbiome genetics is another layer: hereditary characteristics influence gut microflora composition and its interaction with the immune system.

This gut health DNA test assesses genetic traits across 20 indicators, from gastrointestinal diseases and autoimmune predispositions to resistance to infections and metabolic sensitivities. These data are stable throughout life and complement the gastroenterological profile and clinical assessment of an immunologist.

What indicators does the test evaluate?

Gastrointestinal diseases

Six indicators that capture genetic predisposition to the most common digestive conditions.

• Gastritis — genetic factors of susceptibility to inflammation of the gastric mucosa are analyzed, in particular those related to the reaction to Helicobacter pylori and the acidity of the environment.

• Pancreatitis — genetic features of the enzymatic function of the pancreas and the tendency to its inflammation are determined.

• Gallstone disease — genetic factors that affect the composition of bile and the tendency to form stones are evaluated.

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) — genetic features of intestinal motility and sensitivity associated with functional GI disorders are analyzed.

• Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease — genetic factors of predisposition to chronic inflammation of the intestinal walls, which have a pronounced genetic component, are being determined.

Autoimmune diseases

Seven indicators that capture genetic predispositions to conditions in which the immune system reacts to the body's own tissues.

• Lupus and Sjögren's syndrome — genetic factors of predisposition to systemic autoimmune connective tissue diseases are analyzed.

• Rheumatoid arthritis — genetic characteristics associated with a predisposition to autoimmune inflammation of the joints are identified.

• Asthma — genetic factors of bronchial hyperreactivity and susceptibility to allergic inflammation of the respiratory tract are assessed.

• Atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema — the genetic features of the skin barrier function and immune response that underlie these conditions are analyzed.

Resistance to infections

Three indicators reflecting the genetic characteristics of the immune response to specific pathogens.

• Influenza — genetic features of receptors and immune mechanisms that affect individual vulnerability to the influenza virus are determined.

• Epstein-Barr virus — genetic factors associated with susceptibility to severe infection and its reactivation are being analyzed.

• Herpes zoster — genetic features of immune control of the varicella-zoster virus, which are associated with a tendency to reactivation, are being evaluated.

Detoxification and sensitivities

As a DNA metabolism test, this section covers four indicators of genetic characteristics of metabolism and sensitivity to key macronutrients.

• Detoxification rate — the genetic characteristics of liver enzymes involved in detoxification pathways — neutralizing and eliminating toxic compounds — are analyzed.

• Carbohydrate sensitivity — genetic factors that influence an individual's response to carbohydrate consumption and susceptibility to impaired glycemic control are identified.

• Fat sensitivity — assesses genetic characteristics of lipid metabolism and the body's response to the consumption of different types of fats.

• Insulin sensitivity — genetic factors associated with the efficiency of insulin signaling at the cellular level are analyzed.

Who is this test relevant to?

• People with chronic gastrointestinal symptoms — bloating, discomfort after eating, unstable digestion: a gut health DNA test assesses genetic factors that may be involved in these conditions.

• For those with a family history of autoimmune diseases — rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Crohn's disease: a DNA digestive health test reveals the genetic component and helps develop a preventive approach together with a doctor.

• People with frequent viral infections or prolonged recovery from them: a genetic gut test evaluates the immune response characteristics linked to gut immunity.

• For those who notice a pronounced reaction to certain foods or changes in diet: a DNA gut test helps understand the genetic characteristics of sensitivity to carbohydrates, fats, and metabolism in general.

Genetic testing for digestion, immunity, and metabolism is not a diagnosis and are not a substitute for a doctor's consultation. The Apixmed Prism report provides genetic context — data that complements the clinical assessment and helps make decisions about nutrition, lifestyle and prevention together with a gastroenterologist or immunologist.