Big haul of Crohn's genes shows disease complexity

[Mazen]

LONDON (Reuters) - Scientists have linked 32 genetic variations to Crohn's disease, a bowel disorder, highlighting the complexity of many common diseases and the difficulties facing researchers seeking treatments

Significantly, three of the individual genes that have been implicated in Crohn's have previously been shown to influence risk of type 1 diabetes and asthma, suggesting a possible common genetic mechanism underlying these disorders.

http://www.reuters.com/article/scienceNews/idUSL276667620080629

Personally no one in my family has IBD, but I have an uncle who had type 1 diabetes:eek2:

 

[danman]

I had asthma as a child, up untill age 16.

 

[Guest]

i thought this was really interesting....


"One of the most promising is thought to be the CCR6 gene, which is believed to be part of the signaling machinery that causes white blood cells in the gut to become over-active, leading to inflammation.

The same white blood cells are also present in inflamed joints, implying that CCR6 may play a role in rheumatoid arthritis as well.."


as so many of us Crohn's sufferers also have joint pain issues. let's hope these discoveries lead to a better understanding of the condition and improved treatment - in our lifetime!