On April 25, the 1st scientific conference of the Armenian Associations of Medical Genetics and Rare Diseases, entitled “DNA Days in Armenia”, was held at Yerevan State Medical University after Mkhitar Heratsi.
The conference started with a welcome speech and a professional report by professor Tamara Sarkisian, the Head of the Department of Medical Genetics of YSMU, and the Head of the Center of Medical Genetics. “Each nation has its own specific gene pool. By studying it, we can determine the predisposition to various diseases. 26 years ago, we, with our team of geneticists, created the Center for Medical Genetics and Primary Health Care. Then the Department of Medical Genetics of the Medical University was formed. Being a member of the European Association of Human Genetics, we created two associations: the Armenian Associations of Medical Genetics and Rare Diseases”, Tamara Sarkisian told.
According to the specialist, the strategy of geneticists and doctors is the same: early diagnosis and genetic counseling is important here.
In the framework of the report, she referred to the hereditary types of cancer. Here, according to the Professor, genetic testing is very important. The specialist presented the nature of genetic testing, methods and their features. “I am glad that I participated in the preparation of European recommendations within the framework of the Council of Europe. In those years, medical genetics became a main clinical subject in our country”, Tamara Sarkisian reminded, also speaking about international projects implemented at YSMU.
Professor Hovhannes Manvelyan, Head of the Department of Neurology, Head of the Neurosurgery Department of “Astghik” Medical Center, presented neurological hereditary diseases in detail. “Genetic mutations are at the root of all cognitive disorders”, he stressed.
Using the example of specific clinical cases, the Professor referred to, in particular, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, tuberous sclerosis, Wilson’s disease, neuromuscular dystrophy.
Natella Kostandyan, lecturer of the Department of Medical Genetics, doctor-geneticist of the Center of Medical Genetics, presented certain clinical cases from her personal experience, pointing out how closely medical genetics is related to other narrow specialties.
