The risk of multiple sclerosis may be associated with the presence of rare mutations in the genome that affect the gene NR1H3, this question is posed in this article published on the website “Live Science”. People with the mutation suffer a rapidly progressive form of multiple sclerosis at a rate of 70% more than those where this mutation is absent.
The mutation is quite rare – only one patient with multiple sclerosis per thousand, but it will help identify to possibly predict the risk of serious illness in other family members, as well as for the timely diagnosis of people at risk, they can then begin treatment in the early stages and slow the disease’s progression.
Most patients suffer from a form of multiple sclerosis in which the acute phase changes to a period of remission, but 10-15% are diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis. The status of these patients only deteriorates, worsens, does not go into remission and symptoms increase.
Previously, researchers could not identify which genes might be responsible for the occurrence of multiple sclerosis, although noticed that the disease often occurred in families.
During the experiment, scientists from the University of British Columbia examined the genomes of members of a Canadian family across two generations in which five people were ill with progressive multiple sclerosis. The specialists were able to identify mutations affecting the gene NR1H3. In addition, they analyzed data on 2000 patients with multiple sclerosis and found the mutation in one family.
However, the researchers also found the mutation in some people who were healthy and had no signs of disease. This indicates that the mutation only increases the risk of multiple sclerosis, but is not the direct cause of its development.
Based on the data, scientists plan to create an animal model, which will examine the development of the disease and garner more knowledge of new methods of dealing with the disease.
Earlier, The People’s Project reported the incredible restoration of the bone in a 19-year-old’s leg. Recently doctors formed new bone in a wounded soldier from the “Donbas” Battalion.
In the project Bioengineering Rehabilitation for Wounded, iLaya clinic doctors are using the latest biotechnology restore the damaged limbs of wounded Ukrainian soldiers.
Currently the collection of funds for the treatment of six wounded is underway and four more are waiting in line to join the project. For them biotechnology represents their only chance for recovery. Since the state, through legislative and other restrictions, can not support biotechnology in the treatment of wounded soldiers, their only hope lies with people.
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