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DNA sections linked to osteoarthritis found
Tuesday July 03, 2012 02:21:53 PM,
IANS
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London: British
researchers have discovered eight sections of our DNA that cause
osteoarthritis, the hopelessly crippling condition affecting tens
of millions worldwide.
The breakthrough by University of Newcastle scientists potentially
opens the way to new therapies for the commonest form of
arthritis, especially involving two or three of these genetic
sections, responsible for the production of cartilage, the tissue
between bones that is damaged by osteoarthritis.
Scientists also believe that they could alter patients' genes to
make them produce stronger cartilage, helping to repair the
damaged joints, the journal Lancet reports.
Osteoarthritis is believed to affect as many as 40 percent of
those over 70 years, causing debilitating joint pain --
particularly in the hips and knees -- and often leaves patients
immobile or unable to walk long distances, according to the Daily
Mail.
John Loughlin, Newcastle professor who led the research, said:
"We've identified eight regions of human genomes that increase the
risk of the disease. We would dearly like to use the information
gathered to enable patients' cells to be modified to ensure they
make better cartilage. But it's a long way off."
At present, there is no known cure for the condition. Patients can
only ease their symptoms with drugs, physiotherapy or in severe
cases through surgery to remove the affected joint.
Researcher looked at 7,400 patients with osteoarthritis and
compared their DNA to 11,000 people without the disease. They
found eight sections of our DNA that are responsible for
osteoarthritis.
Although the authors point out that it will be at least five or 10
years before they are close to a treatment, they described the
findings as an important "first step".
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