Can we really alter genetics?

A well-known gal on TV, who is known for her great looks and famous family (mostly names starting with K) just found out she has psoriasis. Here's what was said about it in a news story:

It’s largely believed to be genetic and related to the immune system.

“I’ve heard of it before, because my mom has always had it. She didn’t have red flaky dots all over,” K said.

A type of white blood cell called a T cell fights off infections in the body. T cells attack healthy skin cells in a person with psoriasis, according to Mayo Clinic. When the dead skin cells and white blood cells can't clear, they form rash. Researchers believe genetics and environmental factors may trigger the T cells.

“It’s not curable, because you can’t alter the genetics,” Lancer said.

So, you on Alopecia World...what parallels do you think this may have to our own condition?

Views: 26

Comment by Pat on July 27, 2011 at 1:06am
Yeh those dratted TCells are the problem alright. I used to have psoriasis as a child/young adult and it's just awful, I'd much rather have aa. If they can find a way to turn off the Tcells our body would stop attacking us! I was on a trial of a blood-pressure med that they serendipitously discovered affected the Tcells...I had a little regrowth after about 2 years on the meds but can't be sure I can attribute it to the meds. However, I do now have enough eyelashes to take away the bare look and I'm grateful for that no matter what caused it.

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