Dry syndrome is a relatively common self-immunizing disease that afflicts many patients and their families. The question of whether and how the disease is inherited has always been at the centre of concern.
Dry syndrome does not follow the classic Mendel genetic law, i.e. a simple genetic model determined by the explicit or implicit mutation of a single gene. It is a complex multi-genetic genetic disease, which means that the mutation of multiple genes plays a role in the onset of the disease and that these genes and environmental factors are interwoven and together affect the susceptibility of the disease.
Current studies have identified a number of genetic locations associated with dry syndromes, such as certain specific types in the human white cell antigen (HLA) gene family, such as HLA-DR3, HLA-DRw52 and HLA-B8, with a higher frequency among dry syndrome patients. These genes are involved in human immune response regulation processes, and when they occur in a specific mix of variations, they can make the immune system of an individual more susceptible to abnormal activation, thus increasing the risk of dry syndrome. The mere carrying of these genes does not, however, mean that there is a certain risk of disease, but the likelihood of it is relatively high, driven by specific environmental factors.
Environmental factors play an indispensable role in the onset of dry syndromes and interact with genetic factors. For example, certain viral infections (e.g. EB viruses, retrovirals, etc.) can trigger an abnormal response from the immune system, making individuals who are already genetically sensitive more susceptible to dry syndromes. In addition, long-term exposure to specific chemical substances, high life stress, poor living habits, etc. can also have an impact on the immune system, and thus on the synergy with genetic factors that contribute to disease.
From a family genetic point of view, if there are dry syndrome patients in the family, the probability of other relatives suffering from dry syndrome or other self-immunizing diseases increases, but this increase is relatively small and is often manifested by a combination of factors. For example, in some families, there may be cases of dry syndrome between mother and daughter, sister or grandchild, but at the same time it may be observed that even direct family members are not all likely to suffer from the disease and that the severity and symptoms of the disease may vary.
For those with a history of drying out syndromes, while it is not possible to change genetic factors, the risk of disease can be reduced by adjusting lifestyles. Maintaining a balanced diet and ingestion of nutritious foods helps to maintain the normal functioning of the immune system; moderate physical exercise enhances physical health, reduces stress and regulates the immune balance; and avoiding long-term exposure to harmful substances and environments and reducing the risk of infection, measures that may reduce to some extent the incidence of dry syndrome or delay the development of disease.
The genetic method of drying out syndrome is a complex multigenetic model in which genetic and environmental factors interact and interact. Understanding this is important for people with family history, helping them to become more rational about the disease, to take active preventive measures and to better respond to potential health challenges and to safeguard their health.
