Gulsen Meral

Epigenetic Coaching
United Kingdom

Abstract Title:The importance of nutrigenetics and epigenetics in childhood allergy

Biography:

Associate Professor Gülsen Meral graduated from Istanbul University Cerrahpa?a School of Medicine in 1994. She became a specialist in paediatrics in 2001 . She is  Associate Professor in Pediatrics and   worked as a specialist as well as deputy chief physician and chief physician at several hospitals. She was the Rector’s advisor between 2019-2021 at the Northern Cyprus ITU. She is also an Acupuncture instructor. She worked as a Nutrigenetics graduate course and lecturer and gave undergraduate and graduate courses on child development. She has many national and international publications, and worked on editorial boards and as   reviewers. She has a Master's Degree in Hospital Management. She has a Turkish language literature undergraduate education. She completed PhD program in Medical Genetics. In addition to her scientific achievements, she is ambitious about poetry and has 5  poetry books. She is the Founder of the Nutrigenetics and Epigenetics Association, and has memberships in the Green Crescent and Rumelia Association, Istanbul Acupuncture Association, and International Society of Nutrigenetics & Nutrigenomics.  She participated in the first and second International Epigenetic Congress as the president. She is still  the organizer  and educator of the Epigenetic Coaching Program. She is actively giving trainings on Nutrigenetic & Epigenetic Counselling to health professionals from all over the World as a certified CPD program. She continues research and training as the founder and manager of Epigenetic Coaching.

Research Interest:

Abstract

Genetic and environmental factors play a significant role in the development of childhood allergies. Nutrigenetics and epigenetics research reveals how genetic variations and environmental influences, particularly diet and lifestyle, impact gene expression and contribute to allergic disease formation. The VDR (Vitamin D Receptor) gene is a key example in this area. Vitamin D interacts with VDR to regulate immune responses and is linked to allergies and autoimmune diseases. Epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, can alter the expression of the VDR gene, affecting immune function and increasing the risk of developing allergic conditions. Studies have shown that environmental factors can lead to epigenetic changes in up to 10% of genes, which significantly influence allergy susceptibility. The role of the intestinal microbiome is also critical when considering allergy development. Recent advancements in omic technologies and a nutrigenomic perspective have uncovered epigenetic changes induced by the microbiota. These changes, influenced by environmental factors over time, can contribute to allergy risk. However, these variables can potentially be corrected or mitigated through personalized medical practices, including diet and medication adjustments, which can significantly impact an individual’s health outcomes. When examining the connection between nutrigenomics and genetics, pathways such as one-carbon (1C) metabolism, transsulfuration, and methylation play a crucial role. These pathways are essential in regulating DNA expression, with 1C metabolism being particularly important for processes like homocysteine remethylation and the synthesis of purine and thymidine. Folate metabolism is a key component of this mechanism, providing 1C units for these biosynthetic processes and playing a vital role in cellular methylation. Disruptions in these pathways can lead to increased allergy risk, especially in individuals with genetic variations in these processes.