Gene Differences and PsA: A Closer Look at MTHFR and TP53 Variants

You might think genes are just complicated terms, but they can actually tell us a lot about our health. Take, for example, the MTHFR and TP53 genes. The MTHFR gene helps with how the body uses folic acid, while the TP53 gene acts like a guardian, keeping our cells healthy. A recent study in South Africa looked at how these genes might affect people with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), a condition that causes joint pain and swelling. The study found that certain variants, or differences, in these genes could lead to higher levels of a protein called C-reactive protein (CRP), which is a sign of inflammation in the body. CRP levels can be brought down with a medicine called methotrexate. The study showed that people with specific MTHFR and TP53 gene variants had higher CRP levels at the start, but these levels could be lowered with methotrexate treatment over time. It's fascinating how understanding our genes can help us understand and treat diseases better. What do you think about this relationship between genes and health?