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Understanding Inflammation and the TNFRSF1B Gene

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection. Acute inflammation helps heal wounds and fight pathogens. Chronic inflammation, however, can persist and contribute to long-term health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and autoimmune disorders, and it can accelerate aspects of unhealthy aging.

The TNFRSF1B gene encodes Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor 2, or TNFR2. This protein sits on the surface of certain immune and tissue cells and detects signals from tumor necrosis factor alpha, a key inflammatory messenger. Variations in TNFRSF1B can change how TNFR2 behaves, which may affect how strongly your body mounts or controls inflammatory responses. Knowing your genotype at rs1061622 can help you understand potential genetic tendencies toward inflammation and tailor lifestyle choices accordingly.

What This Means for Your Health

Genetic variation at rs1061622 is one piece of your overall inflammation profile. It does not determine your destiny. Environment, diet, physical activity, sleep, stress, body weight, microbiome, and other genes all shape inflammation levels. Regardless of genotype, adopting an anti-inflammatory lifestyle can lower risk and support healthy aging.

GG — Two effect alleles (increased risk)

If your result is GG, you carry two copies of the effect allele at rs1061622. This genotype has been associated with a higher tendency toward elevated inflammatory signaling via TNFR2. People with GG may have increased susceptibility to chronic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis. Some studies also link this variant to differences in oxidative stress handling and higher inflammatory markers.

What you can do

  • Diet: Prioritize whole fruits and vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, fatty fish, and olive oil. Limit refined carbs, processed foods, excess sugar, and trans fats.
  • Supplements: Consider omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D if deficient, and curcumin/turmeric as adjuncts. Discuss appropriate types and doses with your healthcare provider before starting.
  • Lifestyle: Maintain regular moderate exercise, aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep, practice stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness or yoga, and avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol.
  • Tests to discuss with your clinician: high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D), fasting glucose or HbA1c, and lipid panel to assess inflammation-related risk factors.
GT — One effect allele (likely increased risk)

If your result is GT, you carry one copy of the effect allele. This genotype is associated with a likely increased inflammatory tendency, though the effect is generally smaller than with two copies. The GT variant can modestly influence TNFR2 activity and may slightly raise susceptibility to chronic inflammatory or autoimmune conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or psoriasis.

What you can do

  • Diet: Emphasize anti-inflammatory foods — leafy greens, berries, fatty fish (salmon, sardines), nuts, seeds, whole grains, and healthy oils. Reduce red and processed meat and minimize added sugars.
  • Supplements: Omega-3s and vitamin D are common options to support balanced inflammation. Turmeric/curcumin may help as a complementary approach. Review with your clinician for personalized recommendations.
  • Lifestyle: Keep active with a mix of aerobic and resistance training, prioritize consistent sleep, manage stress with proven techniques, and maintain a healthy body weight.
  • Tests to discuss with your clinician: hs-CRP, ESR, vitamin D, and metabolic screening if you have additional risk factors.
TT — Zero effect alleles (typical response)

If your result is TT, you carry two copies of the non-effect allele. This is the most common genotype and is associated with standard regulation of TNFR2 and typical inflammatory responses at this locus. At rs1061622 you do not carry the genetic variation linked to elevated inflammatory signaling.

What you can do

  • Diet: Continue a balanced, whole-foods based diet rich in plant foods, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats to support long-term health.
  • Supplements: Use supplements only if you have a demonstrated need, such as vitamin D deficiency or low omega-3 levels, and only after discussing with your clinician.
  • Lifestyle: Maintain regular physical activity, sleep hygiene, and stress management to preserve healthy inflammation control as you age.
  • Tests to discuss with your clinician: Periodic screening tests like hs-CRP or basic metabolic and lipid panels if there are other risk factors or symptoms.

Practical Anti-Inflammatory Strategies

  • Follow an anti-inflammatory eating pattern: Mediterranean-style or plant-forward diets are practical models. Focus on colorful vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and regular servings of fatty fish.
  • Move regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate activity plus two sessions of resistance training. Physical activity lowers inflammation and improves metabolic health.
  • Sleep and stress: Prioritize consistent sleep and daily stress-reduction practices such as breathwork, meditation, or time in nature. Chronic poor sleep and stress raise inflammatory signals.
  • Avoid inflammatory exposures: Stop smoking, limit heavy alcohol use, and reduce intake of processed foods and sugary beverages.
  • Targeted supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D when deficient, and turmeric/curcumin may support inflammation control. Always review with your healthcare provider, especially if you take medications or have medical conditions.
  • Work with your clinician: If you have symptoms of chronic inflammation or an autoimmune condition, collaborate with your healthcare team for evaluation, appropriate tests, and individualized care.

Monitoring and Next Steps

Genetic information offers insight into predispositions but does not replace clinical assessment. Consider discussing these steps with your healthcare provider:

  • Baseline and periodic testing: hs-CRP, ESR, vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D), fasting glucose or HbA1c, and lipid panel where appropriate.
  • Medication and supplement review: Ensure any supplements or medications are safe and appropriate, given your health history.
  • Referral when needed: If you have symptoms like unexplained joint pain, chronic gastrointestinal symptoms, persistent rash, or systemic signs of inflammation, ask about referral to a specialist.

Important Disclaimer

PlexusDx provides educational information about genetic predispositions only. This content is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, starting new supplements, or altering medications or medical care.