Single-Gene Disorders: These are rare disorders produced solely by a single gene mutation, such as Huntington's disease. |
Polygenic Disorders: Multiple genes impact the development of most chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and many malignancies. Although inherited genes provide a propensity, disease development occurs only when other factors, such as food or smoking, are present. This is referred to as a gene–environment interaction. |
Epigenetics is the study of how actions and the environment can alter gene function, which can then be handed down. For example, a person's lifestyle choices can influence how their genes are expressed, increasing their likelihood of developing a chronic disease. |
Idiopathic means "of unknown cause" and refers to a condition that develops spontaneously without a known environmental or genetic trigger. Some kinds of scoliosis and pulmonary fibrosis, for example, are classified as idiopathic since there is no apparent cause for their occurrence |
Cryptogenic implies "of hidden or obscure origin." It is commonly used when a problem is suspected of having an underlying cause that has yet to be identified. For example, cryptogenic epilepsy implies that there is a reason, such as a modest anatomical brain defect, that is not evident with present diagnostic methods. |
