Kevin D Johnson, Ministry of Human Services and Social Security
Mental health disorders represent a significant public health concern globally. With the increasing burden of psychiatric conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder, there is a growing interest in understanding the genetic underpinnings of these illnesses. This paper explores the role of genetics in mental health through an interdisciplinary bioscience lens, emphasizing recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS), the heritability of psychiatric conditions, and gene-environment interactions. Integrating insights from genetics, neuroscience, and psychology, this research underscores the necessity of a holistic approach to psychiatric genetics. Understanding genetic contributions not only aids early diagnosis and personalized treatment but also shapes public health strategies to reduce stigma and improve mental healthcare delivery.
Genetics, Mental Health, Psychiatric Disorders, GWAS, Gene-Environment Interaction, Heritability.
Samuel Danley and Daniel, Laban Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Nigeria
Nutrigenomics, the study of gene diet interactions, holds transformative potential for addressing the dual burden of malnutrition and non-communicable diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Despite SSA's unparalleled genetic diversity and complex dietary landscapes, the region remains underrepresented in global genomics research. This document review synthesizes current evidence on nutrigenomics in SSA, focusing on genetic variations that influence nutrient metabolism, emerging research hubs, and pioneering studies. It identifies critical challenges including limited funding, infrastructural gaps, and the disconnection between indigenous diets and genomic data. The paper underscores ethical, legal, and societal concerns that must be addressed to ensure equitable application of genomically-informed nutrition. Highlighting opportunities for policy alignment, research capacity building, and integration of traditional food systems, the review advocates for a regionally grounded, ethically sound, and equity-driven approach to nutrigenomics. By investing in Afrocentric genomics and embedding findings into public health and agricultural policies, SSA can pioneer culturally relevant precision nutrition strategies that improve health outcomes.
Nutrigenomics, Sub-Saharan Africa, gene–diet interaction, public health nutrition, genomic diversity, policy integration, Afrocentric diets, personalized nutrition, ethics in genomics, precision agriculture.
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