EPISODE 78: DNA FOCUS - GDF-5

My DNA Coach Podcast I Jonny Deacon I Health I Fitness I DNA Testing I Blood Testing |A.I |DEXA I Kolbe A Index | Personal Training

Join Our Beta Program Community - Here! -

GDF-5 is a gene which encodes for a protein called Growth Differentiation Factor-5. Whilst the specific role of this protein is currently unknown, we do know that a SNP contained within the gene is associated with an increased injury risk, especially with regards to tendons, ligaments, and bone.

Time Stamped Show Notes:

• 0:41 – Jonny opens the show
• 1:14 – Jonny introduces today’s gene – GDF-5.
• 1:17 – GDF-5 is a gene that encodes for a protein called Growth Differentiation Factor 5. A SNP contained within the gene is associated with an increased injury risk, especially for tendons, ligaments, and bones.
• 1:35 – A 2010 study looked at people with Achilles tendon injuries. They found that the people with this injury had an overrepresentation of the TT genotype of GDF 5.
  • 2:04 – Researchers concluded that those with the TT genotype were twice as likely to develop Achilles tendinopathy than C allele carriers.
• 2:35 – GDF-5 also plays a role in bone health.
• 2:44 – In a 2009 study, researchers studied over 6000 people to see if there was any connection between their GDF-5 genotypes and their risk of developing osteoarthritis.
  • 3:03 – The study found that in elderly women, those with the CC genotype had a 40% less chance of developing osteoarthritis in their hands and a 30% less chance of developing it in their knees.
  • 3:18 – The study also found they had a 29% less chance of suffering from a fracture.
  • 3:26 – From this, they concluded that those with the CC genotype were protected against osteoarthritis and fracture risk.
• 3:32 – If you have a T allele, you potentially have a higher risk for tendon and bone injury.
• 3:44 – If you are aware of this risk then you can protect against it. This is what we teach at My DNA Coach.
• 3:57 – We can help by focusing on injury prevention techniques like massage and eccentric loading exercises.
• 4:14 – Regular exercise plays a factor in bone health which can help motivate those at risk of bone injury, like the elderly. We also encourage these individuals to consume more nutrients that have been shown to improve bone health.
• 4:38 – We give recommendations based on genotypes.
• 5:02 – Those with the C allele have no increased risk of developing tendinopathy or osteoarthritis.
• 5:505 – Those with the CT genotype have a moderate increased risk and should undertake prehabilitation exercises and take nutritional supports for bone health.
• 5:22 – Those with the TT version have an increased risk and should also take the preventative measures discussed earlier.
• 5:39 – This is weighted in a much bigger way through our algorithm so we can develop a more individualized approach rather than a “one size fits all”.
• 6:15 – Understanding your genetics is important, but knowledge isn’t power – execution is power. You have to be able to act on the information.
• 6:22 – The first step should be to do a DNA test so you can know your specific gene types.
• 6: 30 – However, be cautious about picking the right tester. Find one with an algorithm that weights the genes properly and follows strict clinical guidelines.
• 6:55 – We look after our clients in a way unlike anyone else. We look at your genetics and implement a strategy using this information.
• 7:14 – We look at GDF 5, as well as other genes that play into injury risk, and recommend ways to prevent injuries.
• 7:36 – This series is shedding light on what’s missing in the health and fitness industry.
• 7:56 – Jonny closes the show.

Resources Mentioned:

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20360039
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19029166