We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
INTEGRA BIOSCIENCES AG

Download Mobile App




Events

09 Apr 2024 - 12 Apr 2024
15 Apr 2024 - 17 Apr 2024
23 Apr 2024 - 26 Apr 2024

Study Identifies Gene Variations for Mouth Ulcers

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 18 Mar 2019
Print article
Image: A mouth ulcer (in this case associated with aphthous stomatitis) on the labial mucosa (lining of the lower lip) (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons).
Image: A mouth ulcer (in this case associated with aphthous stomatitis) on the labial mucosa (lining of the lower lip) (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons).
An extensive genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified 97 common genetic variations that predisposed people to suffer from mouth ulcers.

Mouth ulcers are the most common ulcerative condition and encompass several clinical diagnoses, including recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS). Despite previous evidence for heritability, it is not clear which specific genetic loci are implicated in RAS.

To identify gene loci linked to development of mouth ulcers, investigators at the University of Bristol (United Kingdom) analyzed genetic data derived from over 450,000 participants in the U.K. Biobank and replicated these findings in over 350,000 participants in the U.S.-based data collection 23andMe.

Results obtained by this genome-wide association study estimated heritability at 8.2%. The study found 97 variants that altered the odds of developing non-specific mouth ulcers. Additional effect estimates from three independent cohorts with more specific phenotyping and specific study characteristics supported many of these findings. Computer-based functional analyses provided evidence for a role of T-cell regulation in the etiology of mouth ulcers.

"Currently, there are few satisfactory drug treatments for mouth ulcers as current medication options are non specific and can lead to side effects. The field has gone from very little genetic understanding of mouth ulcers to having up to 97 areas of the genome, which may provide an excellent basis for future research," said first author Tom Dudding, a graduate student researcher at the University of Bristol. "Importantly, our findings also show that several of the genes related to mouth ulcers are in pathways which are already targeted by drugs that are used to treat other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. There is the potential that drugs like these could be used to treat mouth ulcers, although further work is required to demonstrate this."

Details of the study were published in the March 5, 2019, online edition of the journal Nature Communications.

Related Links:
University of Bristol

Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
HLX
Complement 3 (C3) Test
GPP-100 C3 Kit
New
Gold Member
Systemic Autoimmune Testing Assay
BioPlex 2200 ANA Screen with MDSS

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: Reaching speeds up to 6,000 RPM, this centrifuge forms the basis for a new type of inexpensive, POC biomedical test (Photo courtesy of Duke University)

POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection

Exosomes, tiny cellular bioparticles carrying a specific set of proteins, lipids, and genetic materials, play a crucial role in cell communication and hold promise for non-invasive diagnostics.... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The low-cost portable device rapidly identifies chemotherapy patients at risk of sepsis (Photo courtesy of 52North Health)

POC Finger-Prick Blood Test Determines Risk of Neutropenic Sepsis in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Neutropenia, a decrease in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections), is a frequent side effect of certain cancer treatments. This condition elevates the risk of infections,... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: The OvaCis Rapid Test discriminates benign from malignant epithelial ovarian cysts (Photo courtesy of INEX)

Intra-Operative POC Device Distinguishes Between Benign and Malignant Ovarian Cysts within 15 Minutes

Ovarian cysts represent a significant health issue for women globally, with up to 10% experiencing this condition at some point in their lives. These cysts form when fluid collects within a thin membrane... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.