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 hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
LGC Clinical Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




Diagnosing IBD by Evaluating Epigenetic Markers in Blood

By Gerald M. Slutzky, PhD
Posted on 07 Dec 2016
Epigenetic screening of blood samples has been proposed as a new approach to diagnosing patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).

Symptoms are similar in Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and other inflammatory bowel conditions, which makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose which of the illnesses a patient has.

In an effort to develop better diagnostic tools for IBD, investigators at the University of Edinburgh (United Kingdom) used Illumina (San Diego, CA, USA) instruments and microarray technology to determine differentially methylated sites in whole blood and in immunomagnetically separated leucocytes (CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes and CD14+ monocytes) from 240 newly-diagnosed IBD cases and 190 controls.

The investigators reported that they had identified differentially methylated positions (DMPs) and regions (DMRs) in whole-blood DNA samples from 240 newly diagnosed IBD cases (121 Crohn's disease and 119 ulcerative colitis) and 191 controls. More...
Technical validation and detailed characterization of DMRs was performed in a small cohort of six cases (three Crohn's disease and three ulcerative colitis) and three controls using whole-genome bisulphite sequencing. Independent validation of methylation results was performed using bisulphite pyrosequencing in a further cohort of 240 patients with established IBD and 98 controls.

Senior author Dr. Jack Satsangi, professor of gastroenterology at the University of Edinburgh, said, "Our findings bring fresh insights to the underlying causes of inflammatory bowel diseases, which could eventually lead to new treatments. Characterizing epigenetic signatures in the DNA of patients could help us to devise better tests for diagnosing these diseases, so that patients can be given the best possible care."

The study was published in the November 25, 2016, online edition of the journal Nature Communications.

Related Links:
University of Edinburgh
Illumina

New
Gold Member
Latex Test
SLE-Latex Test
Serological Pipet Controller
PIPETBOY GENIUS
New
Automated PCR Setup
ESTREAM
New
Rapid Test Reader
DIA5000
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: A simple blood test could replace surgical biopsies for early detecion of heart transplant rejection (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Blood Test Detects Organ Rejection in Heart Transplant Patients

Following a heart transplant, patients are required to undergo surgical biopsies so that physicians can assess the possibility of organ rejection. Rejection happens when the recipient’s immune system identifies... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.