Researchers in the U.K. discovered a genetic component that is present in 95% of those living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Experts weighed in on what this means for patients.
Inflammatory bowel disease — which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis — affects around 3.1 million U.S. adults. The disease can cause debilitating symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping, blood in the stool and more. Now, researchers at the U.K.’s Francis Crick Institute, working with UCL and Imperial College London, have discovered a genetic component — referred to as a 'weak spot' in the DNA — that is present in 95% of those living with the disorder.
The study, published in the journal Nature earlier this month, identified a section of DNA that boosts the activity of a gene called ETS2. ETS2 has been linked to inflammatory functions that increase the chances of IBD. Rosario Ligresti, M.D., chief of the Division of Gastroenterology at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey, was not involved in the research but called the findings 'quite important.
They found that a group of existing anti-inflammatory medications called MEK inhibitors could do the trick. 'Although there have been many factors suggested as risks for IBD, there is currently no way to prevent the onset of IBD,' Ligresti said. 'We do know, however, that inflammatory pathways in the body are likely activated at least five years before the onset of symptoms of IBD.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Inflammatory bowel disease: 'Major cause of IBD' discovered by researchersIBD, the umbrella term for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, impacts millions of people worldwide. Researchers say they have found a “major cause' of the disease and treatment using existing drugs.
Read more »
I-95 collapse: One year since deadly tanker explosion destroyed highway, caused traffic mayhemTuesday marks one year since a deadly tanker explosion caused parts of Interstate 95 to completely collapse on June 11, 2023.
Read more »
Napa Valley icon Warren Winiarski, whose California Cabernet shocked the wine world, dies at 95Iconic Napa Valley winemaker Warren Winiarski's legendary Stag's Leap Cabernet Sauvignon bested French domaines in a 1976 blind tasting. The tasting became known as the Judgment of Paris, and it secured California wines' place on the world stage.
Read more »
Nneka Ogwumike scores season-high 26 as Seattle Storm beat Sparks 95-79Nneka Ogwumike scored a season-high 26 points against her former team, Jewell Loyd added 21 points and the Seattle Storm beat the Los Angeles Sparks 95-79 on Tuesday night.
Read more »
Japanese architect Maki, credited with fusing East with West, has died at age 95Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki, who won the prestigious Pritzker Prize for designs praised as smartly and artfully fusing the East with the West, has died
Read more »
Japanese architect Maki, credited with fusing East with West, has died at age 95Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki, who won the prestigious Pritzker Prize for designs praised as smartly and artfully fusing the East with the West, has died. He was 95. His office, Maki & Associates, said Wednesday he died on June 6. It declined to give further details.
Read more »