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Published on: Nov 13, 2020
1 minute read
By: Dr Rajan ( Medical Second Opinion Cell)

Using The Cellular Handshake Against The Virus

Using the cellular handshake against the virus

In early November an interesting study was published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, describing the treatment of a severe COVID-19 patient with human recombinant soluble angiotensin-converting enzyme-2. By using the treatment, it was possible to see the disappearance of the virus swiftly from the patient's serum, nose, and lungs, as well as a reduction in the patients’ inflammatory markers. How was this achieved? And why is this so intriguing.

When we look at treating viruses, there are several strategies at work. You can prevent its spread by the use of social distancing or masks, you can use medications that prevent its replication (such as Tamiflu). Or you can stop the virus from entering the cells, the first step in viral replication.

SARS-CoV-2 appears to enter human cells through the ACE2 receptor. ACE2 is a protein in the cell membrane found across the human body, especially the lungs, heart, kidney and small intestine. It function is related to the Renin-Angiotensin System, a mechanism by which the kidneys control your blood pressure.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme converts angiotensin 1 to angiotensin 2, a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict. ACE 2 instead converts it to a protein that causes dilation of blood vessels. This likely protects these critical organs and ensure they receive sufficient blood to perform their tasks. ACE2 is being investigated as a possible target for blood pressure medications.

The study used a genetically modified soluble form of ACE2 that mimics the protein found on human cell membranes. By increasing its availability in the blood, the SARS-CoV-2 virus binds to this protein, resulting in its inactivation, rather than entering lung cells and causing lung injury. Lab studies have shown that it can reduce viral growth by as much as 1000 to 5000 times, and phase 1 studies show it to be safe to use in people.

The actual described case was in a 45-year-old woman, hospitalized with COVID, suffering from severe shortness of breath, cough and fatigue. She was first treated with hydroxychloroquine and anticoagulants, but this proved ineffective, and the virus was causing increasing damage to her lungs. Nine days after her symptoms started, she received the ACE2 treatment for a week, with no side effects. This resulted in an increase in ACE2 activity (seen from her blood results), but also a marked decrease in multiple inflammatory markers associated with COVID-19, as well as a sharp decrease in COVID 19 numbers. Indeed, the viral load dropped from 32,000 per mL to just 270 per mL two days after treatment started. She was also able to produce antibodies against the virus, so this did not impair her from getting immunity.

It is certainly a very interesting case, though questions remain on how feasible it would be (as well as how expensive) to manufacture large quantities of this protein receptor for treatment use, as well as how it fairs in clinical trials.

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Genetic Predisposition Testing India: Understanding Your DNA to Prevent Future Disease

Genetics plays a significant role in determining an individual’s risk for various diseases. In India, where chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and neurological disorders are increasing rapidly, genetic predisposition testing has emerged as a powerful preventive tool. It helps individuals understand inherited risk factors long before symptoms appear, allowing timely intervention.

SecondMedic offers guided genetic screening to help patients uncover DNA-based risks and take proactive control of their long-term health.

What Is Genetic Predisposition Testing?

Genetic predisposition testing analyzes a person’s DNA to identify mutations, variations, or inherited markers associated with increased disease risk. It does not diagnose a disease but reveals how likely an individual is to develop certain conditions.

What the test identifies:

Gene mutations
Family-linked disease patterns
Hereditary cancer markers
Metabolic and cardiovascular risks
Neurological conditions
Autoimmune predispositions

These insights help individuals and doctors make informed preventive health decisions.

Why Genetic Testing Is Growing in India

1. High prevalence of lifestyle and hereditary diseases

India is the diabetes capital of the world, and many metabolic disorders have genetic roots.

2. Increasing cancer burden

BRCA and other hereditary cancer syndromes are being detected more often.

3. Awareness about preventive healthcare

People want to act early rather than wait for disease onset.

4. Growth of digital healthcare

Easy access through telemedicine platforms like SecondMedic.

5. Rising chronic cases at younger ages

Genetic predispositions often accelerate early onset of disease.

What Diseases Can Genetic Testing Predict?

1. Cancer Risk

Includes hereditary cancers such as:

Breast
Ovarian
Colorectal
Prostate
Pancreatic

BRCA1, BRCA2, and Lynch syndrome genes are key markers.

2. Heart Disease & Hypertension

Genes that influence:

Cholesterol levels
Plaque formation
Blood pressure regulation

3. Diabetes

Genes that affect insulin sensitivity and metabolic function.

4. Obesity

Markers linked to appetite regulation and fat storage.

5. Neurological Disorders

Including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and epilepsy predispositions.

6. Autoimmune Diseases

Genes related to lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disorders.

7. Drug Response (Pharmacogenomics)

DNA determines how the body reacts to certain medications.

How Genetic Predisposition Testing Works

Step 1: Sample Collection

Usually saliva, blood, or buccal swab.

Step 2: DNA Sequencing

Advanced technology identifies variations in your genome.

Step 3: Risk Analysis

Gene mutations are mapped to known disease risks.

Step 4: Expert Interpretation

SecondMedic’s genetic counsellors and doctors review results.

Step 5: Preventive Plan

Includes recommended lifestyle changes, screenings, and monitoring.

Benefits of Genetic Predisposition Testing

1. Detect Risk Before Symptoms

Allows decades of preventive action.

2. Personalized Health Planning

Diet, exercise, and medical screening tailored to DNA.

3. Early Cancer Detection

Essential for women with hereditary breast/ovarian cancer risk.

4. Family Health Insights

Identifies conditions that may affect children and siblings.

5. Improved Treatment Outcomes

Knowing your risk helps doctors monitor you more closely.

6. Better Drug Selection

Pharmacogenomics ensures medications match your genetic profile.

Who Should Consider Genetic Testing?

People with family history of cancer
Individuals whose relatives had early heart attacks
Families with diabetes across generations
Women with breast or ovarian cancer history
Couples planning pregnancy
People with unexplained chronic conditions
Individuals wanting personalized preventive healthcare

Limitations of Genetic Testing

1. Not a diagnosis

It shows probability, not certainty.

2. Environmental and lifestyle factors still matter

Genes interact with habits and environment.

3. Requires professional interpretation

Raw results without counselling can be confusing.

SecondMedic ensures accurate guidance through experienced specialists.

How SecondMedic Supports Genetic Testing

1. End-to-End Genetic Screening

From sample collection to detailed analysis.

2. Expert Review

Genetic counselors and doctors explain every risk factor.

3. Personalized Preventive Plan

Nutrition, exercise, and screening based on DNA.

4. Confidential Reporting

All data is securely stored.

5. Integrated Preventive Tracking

Follow-up tests and monitoring for high-risk individuals.

Future of Genetic Testing in India

AI-based genome interpretation
Affordable whole-genome sequencing
Predictive analytics for early cancer
Family-wide health risk mapping
Integration with digital health IDs under ABDM

SecondMedic aims to make genetic screening widely accessible and scientifically guided.

Conclusion

Genetic predisposition testing India empowers individuals by revealing inherited disease risks long before symptoms develop. It supports preventive healthcare, early cancer detection, and personalized wellness planning. With platforms like SecondMedic offering expert-guided genetic testing, Indians can now take proactive control of their long-term health.

To book your genetic test, visit www.secondmedic.com

References

ICMR – Genetic research insights
NIH – Genetic testing guidelines
WHO – Genomic medicine developments
Statista – DNA testing market India
SecondMedic genetic health studies

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