Scientists uncover further steps leading to celiac diseaseMarch 03, 2008Scientists who last year identified a new genetic risk factor for coeliac disease, have, following continued research, discovered an additional seven gene regions implicated in causing the condition. The team, lead by David van Heel, Professor of Gastrointestinal Genetics at Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, have further demonstrated that of the nine coeliac gene regions now know, four of these are also predisposing factors for type 1 diabetes. Their research sheds light not only on the nature of coeliac disease, but on the common origins of both diseases. It is published online today (2 March 2008) in Nature Genetics. Professor van Heel and his team, including collaborators from Ireland, the Netherlands, and the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, first performed a genome wide association study in coeliac disease. Genetic markers across the genome were compared in coeliac disease subjects versus healthy controls. They then assessed around 1,000 of the strongest markers in a further ~ 5,000 samples. Their results identified seven new risk regions, six of which harbour important genes critical in the control of immune responses, highlighting their significance in the development of the disease. Coeliac disease is common in the West, afflicting around 1 per cent of the population. It is an immune-mediated disease, triggered by intolerance to gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley and rye containing foods), that prevents normal digestion and absorption of nutrients. If undetected it can lead to a number of often severe problems among them anaemia, poor bone health, fatigue and weight loss. Currently only a restricted diet can diminish symptoms. Professor van Heel said: "So far our findings explain nearly half of the heritability of coeliac disease - now studies with many more samples from individuals with coeliac disease are needed to identify the precise causal genetic variants from each region, and understand how these influence biological processes." Queen Mary, University of London |
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| Related Coeliac Disease Current Events and Coeliac Disease News Articles Blood counts are clues to human disease A new genome-wide association study published today in Nature Genetics begins to uncover the basis of genetic variations in eight blood measurements and the impact those variants can have on common human diseases. New link found between osteoporosis and coeliac disease People with coeliac disease may develop osteoporosis because their immune system attacks their bone tissue, a new study has shown. Are vitamin supplements effective in celiac disease patients? Coeliac disease is a typical example of a malabsorption syndrome conferring increased risk for various deficiency states, including folate and vitamin B12. Hyperhomocysteinemia is significantly more frequent in patients with newly diagnosed coeliac disease than healthy controls. Discovery of new family of genetic mutations involved in inflammatory intestinal disease The discovery of new genetic mutations involved in inflammatory intestinal disorders could lead to a better understanding of these common conditions. Identification of genetic risk factor for coeliac disease promises improved treatment An international research consortium investigating the genetic causes of intestinal inflammatory conditions has identified a new genetic risk factor for coeliac disease. Researchers study the possible relationship between myopathies and coeliac disease Inflammatory myopathies are immunological diseases that lead to inflammations in muscular tissue. As of yet, little is known about the cause of these myopathies, but it is believed to be an abnormal immune response by our bodies. Inflammatory bowel disease is a risk factor for thrombosis People with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are more than three times as likely to develop blood clots in their veins (venous thromboembolism), finds new research in Gut. Thromboembolism is a serious and potentially life threatening event. For many years, patients with IBD were thought to be at increased risk, but the evidence has been inconsistent. Furthermore, it is not known if this risk is specific for IBD or if it is shared by other chronic inflammatory diseases or bowel disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis or coeliac disease. Researchers surveyed 618 patients with IBD, 243 with rheumatoid arthritis, 207 with coeliac disease. All three patient groups were compared with matched contr Coeliac disease may predict schizophrenia A history of coeliac disease (gluten intolerance) is a risk factor for developing schizophrenia, finds a study in this week's BMJ. Previous studies have suggested an association between these two disorders. Researchers identified 7,997 people older than 15 who were admitted to any Danish psychiatric unit for the first time between 1981 and 1998 with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. For each case, they randomly selected 25 controls, matched by year of birth and sex, and identified any history of coeliac disease, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn's disease in cases, controls, and their parents. They found a moderately strong risk relation between coeliac disease and schizophrenia. However, the authors Coeliac disease - the tip of the iceberg The full extent of a hidden condition which goes largely undetected among British children - and unnoticed until adulthood - has been identified by doctors in Bristol. Their research suggests that until now the scale of coeliac disease among UK children has been under-estimated. Currently, fewer than one in 2,500 children is treated for the disease, but the study of children in Bristol has shown that it probably affects one child in 100, although most have no overt symptoms. Significantly, the figures appear to indicate that coeliac disease, an intolerance to gluten, is triggered in childhood, although the symptoms might not appear until years later. The extent of the condition is revealed Summer babies at greater risk of developing coeliac disease The risk of developing coeliac disease is higher for children born in the summer compared with the winter, finds a study in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health. More Coeliac Disease Current Events and Coeliac Disease News Articles |
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