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Simone Gibertoni on the growth of gene and DNA testing
The growth of gene and DNA testing
As CEO of the renowned Swiss medical clinic, Simone Gibertoni is overseeing the expansion of the brand to Asia and the Middle East.
“While we are all born with an immutable genetic code, external or epigenetic factors such as lifestyle and environment affect how our genes express themselves,” says Gibertoni. “Genetic tests can provide valuable insights into an individual’s genetic makeup, to provide guidance for improving one’s overall wellbeing. They can shed light on how genes influence various lifestyle factors, and this information can be used to help make informed decisions about daily habits. They can help us understand how the body processes nutrients or vitamins – or caffeine – enabling optimised diet, sleep or fitness programmes.”
Gibertoni says that, combined with other markers, epigenetics – which measures how one’s environment impacts gene expression – enables meaningful intervention with robust health insights for the patient. “New generation DNA readings can measure biological age and give data on how the homeostasis of cells and tissues is impacted by an individual’s lifestyle choices,” he says. “That is to say: does fasting work for you, or is it to your detriment? Should you be doing HIIT training, or is it negatively affecting your natural genetic expression?”
Positively influencing genetic expression
“Health programmes based on epigenetics – which are designed positively to influence genetic expression – are set to be a key innovation over the next decade,” says Gilbertoni. “This includes the ‘stress’ genetic profile. We have introduced a pioneering epigenetics test that identifies stress overload signatures. It reveals the individual impact on immune, cardiovascular, metabolic and neuroendocrine (mood) systems, with precise suggestions to improve them.
“At Clinique La Prairie, genetics has taken a front seat, with DNA tests forming part of our Revitalisation, Master Detox and Healthy Weight programmes.” www.cliniquelaprairie.com
