Autoimmune disease is becoming a very common term these days and there are very good reasons for it. But can MTHFR gene mutations, specifically the MTHFR mutation, lead to the cause of an autoimmune disease?
The short answer is yes. However, there are also other genes that are better known to be problematic for autoimmune disease. Let’s explore the problem…
Understanding MTHFR Gene Mutations
MTHFR gene mutations are a common genetic variation that can significantly impact the body’s ability to detoxify and process homocysteine. The MTHFR gene is responsible for producing an enzyme that breaks down homocysteine, an amino acid, into methionine. Methionine is crucial for various bodily functions, including protein synthesis and cellular repair. However, when there are genetic mutations or variations in the MTHFR gene, the enzyme’s function can be impaired. This impairment can lead to elevated homocysteine levels and reduced methylation, which can have various health implications.
The Role of MTHFR in the Body
The MTHFR gene plays a pivotal role in the body’s methylation processes, which are essential for numerous bodily functions. Methylation is the process by which the body converts homocysteine into methionine. Methionine is then used to produce other vital compounds, such as glutathione, the body’s most potent antioxidant. This process is crucial for detoxification, energy production, and maintaining a healthy immune system. When the MTHFR gene is functioning correctly, it supports these processes, contributing to overall health and well-being.
Methylation and Detoxification
Methylation is not just about converting homocysteine into methionine; it is also essential for the body’s detoxification processes. This process allows the body to convert toxins into less harmful substances that can be excreted. When methylation is impaired due to MTHFR gene mutations, the body’s detoxification capacity is reduced. This reduction can make the body more susceptible to the harmful effects of toxins, potentially leading to various health issues.
How MTHFR gene mutations can cause an autoimmune disease
The first important fact about autoimmune disease is to understand that it takes several factors, including genetic mutation, to develop. Autoimmune disease and genetics. Just one of those factors that can trigger the disease. Having an active MTHFR genetic mutation means having a percentage loss of function. One or more of your nutritional pathways. This means you essentially have a disadvantage when it comes to having the resources. You need to prevent autoimmune disease and this often means having a compromised immune system. Having dysfunctional organs that would normally function to prevent disease and support good health.
So the first way that MTHFR can cause autoimmune disease is by nutritional deficiency.
Conditions Associated with MTHFR Gene Mutations
MTHFR gene mutations have been linked to a range of health conditions. These include autoimmune diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, and cardiovascular disease. Elevated homocysteine levels, which result from impaired methylation, have also been associated with an increased risk of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. Understanding these associations is crucial for managing and potentially mitigating the risks associated with MTHFR gene mutations.
Hyperhomocysteinemia and Other Conditions
Hyperhomocysteinemia, or elevated homocysteine levels, is a condition that can arise from MTHFR gene mutations. This condition has been linked to various health issues, including cardiovascular disease, multiple sclerosis, and autoimmune thyroid disease. Additionally, MTHFR gene mutations have been associated with an increased risk of genetic mutations, such as those seen in systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. Recognizing these connections can help in the early detection and management of these conditions, potentially improving health outcomes.
Infections, MTHFR & autoimmune disease
Next, one of the things that compromised MTHFR mutations cause is poor immunity or what ends up being infections. Infections can be obvious or they can be low grade and constant e.g. they come and go. Infections are a very common trigger of autoimmune disease, rather than being the cause. We know that many people who have tested positive for MTHFR gene mutations have a strong history of infections.
Infections that can trigger an autoimmune disease include:
Bacterial
Virus
fungi
Parasites
Some of the more common infections related to MTHFR gene mutations include:
Epstein-Barr virus (Glandular fever/mononucleosis) – This virus in the herpes family of viruses. Commonly found in people with MTHFR gene mutations. This particular virus is known to trigger 33 different autoimmune diseases.
Cytomegalovirus – This virus is also part of the herpes family of viruses, affecting approximately 40% of adults at some point or another in life.
Helicobacter pylori – This is a bacterium that causes stomach ulcers and also stomach cancer.
Chlamydia pneumonia – This is a bacteria that commonly cause infections such as bronchitis, pharyngitis, and pneumonia.
Norovirus – This virus related to gastroenteritis (stomach flu).
Streptococcal infections (strep) – This is a bacterial infection often involved in throat infections.
Hepatitis C – This is a virus that attacks the liver.
Lyme Disease (Borrelia Burgdorferi) – This bacteria contracted via a tick bite.
Stress, MTHFR & autoimmune disease
Stress can play a big role in triggering autoimmune disease. Additionally, individuals with MTHFR gene mutations may have difficulty processing synthetic folic acid, which can further contribute to stress and nutritional deficiencies. People with compromised MTHFR gene mutations often have a lower tolerance for stress due to having poor methylation. When a person becomes stressed the body tends to burn up more resources trying to deal with the additional stress, this will tend to lower the immune system and energy levels also suffer.
Other genetic mutations that cause autoimmune disease
While MTHFR plays a significant role in triggering an autoimmune disease it’s also important to look at other gene mutations that are well known for triggering autoimmune disease. A large number of genes have been found to be associated with specific autoimmune diseases. So most autoimmune diseases are the result of having several compromised genes at the same time and one or more of the many different triggers some of which have been mentioned above.
Autoimmune diseases run in families, this is direct evidence that faulty genes are part of the problem but don’t get confused here, just because you have a relative with an autoimmune disease doesn’t mean you will get it too and if you do, it may very well not be the same one either, it all depends on many complex factors.
While there are many gene mutations that can trigger an autoimmune disease often HLA genes (Human Leukocyte Antigen) are involved. HLA describes the process whereby your immune cells recognize and respond to any potential threat and in the case of autoimmune disease these genes get confused and start attacking your own body.
Preventing & treating autoimmune disease with gene mutations
There is often a misconception that if you have gene mutations that can trigger an autoimmune disease that there is nothing you can do about it and similarly if you already have an autoimmune disease there isn’t anything you can do about it which is simply not true. There are specific ways that start the process of an autoimmune disease which means there are specific ways to stop the process.
Genes respond to change in circumstances, these may be environmental factors, infections, specific foods, toxic metals, emotional stress, nutritional factors, and intestinal permeability. Finding out what your gene mutations are and resolving these other triggers can change the way your immune system responds and so resolves the problem.
Did you have any questions about the MTHFR & or autoimmune disease?
