The impact of inbreeding
Inbreeding refers to marriage and reproduction between people who are close to each other. Although in some regions and cultures, close marriage is allowed or even common, it will bring some potential health risks, especially the impact on future generations.
1. Increased risk of genetic defects and diseases
Inbreeding will increase the risk of genetic defects and genetic diseases. When people with the same recessive gene variation in the family reproduce, their children will be more likely to inherit two abnormal genes, leading to the occurrence of some genetic diseases. This phenomenon is called kinship gathering.
For example, when couples in close marriage are healthy carriers, but carry the same gene variation, their children have a 25% chance of suffering from certain genetic diseases, such as cystic nephropathy, hereditary retinopathy, etc. These diseases may have a serious impact on children's quality of life and life expectancy.
In addition, inbreeding also increases the risk of autosomal recessive diseases. For example, couples in consanguineous marriage are the result of consanguineous matching, and their children are more likely to be affected by hereditary blood diseases, some childhood genetic diseases, etc.
2. Increase of immune system defects
Inbreeding also increases the risk of some immune system deficiencies. The immune system is our body's defense system, which helps us fight against various pathogens. When inbreeding occurs, genes with some immune system defects in the family will be relatively high due to the increase of gene similarity.
This genetic similarity may lead to the weakness of children's immune system, reducing their defense against pathogens. Therefore, these children are more vulnerable to infection, including bacteria, viruses and other pathogens.
The study found that in families with close relatives, the risk of recurrent respiratory infections, pneumonia, allergic diseases and other immune related diseases was higher from childhood.
3. Increased risk of heart disease and cancer
Inbreeding also increases the risk of heart disease and cancer. These diseases are often related to the interaction of many factors, including genes, environment and lifestyle.
Close marriage will increase the risk of certain gene mutations, which are related to the occurrence of heart disease and cancer. For example, inbreeding may cause mutations in fibrinogen gene, tumor suppressor gene, etc., thus increasing the possibility of suffering from heart disease and some cancers.
In addition, inbreeding also increases the probability of genetic mutations rich in certain cancers in the family, such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, colorectal cancer, etc. The genetic risk of these diseases can be passed from close relatives to the next generation.
4. Increase of development problems and mental retardation
Close parenthood also increases the risk of children's development problems and mental retardation. Some studies have shown that inbreeding can lead to low birth weight, premature delivery and incomplete development of the fetus.
In addition, close kinship may also lead to some intellectual defects in children, such as autism, mental retardation and learning difficulties. These intellectual problems may be related to genetic factors and genetic defects.
It should be emphasized that although inbreeding may increase the probability of these risks, it does not mean that all children with inbreeding will suffer from these health problems. Environmental factors, lifestyle and other genetic factors will also affect individual health.
summary
Close parenthood will bring a series of health risks, including increased risks of genetic defects and genetic diseases, immune system defects, heart disease and cancer, as well as growth problems and intellectual disabilities. Therefore, when choosing a reproductive partner, we should consider the potential impact of kinship on the health of future generations, try to avoid close marriage, and ensure the healthy and happy growth of the next generation.
