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Written By: Editorial Team | Updated : January 27, 2016 10:51 AM IST
Autoimmune diseases like lupus are difficult to treat because the body's immune system starts attacking its own cells. But now the treatment of prevention of these diseases seem to be on cards with researchers identifying 10 new genes associated with autoimmune disease lupus.
How was the study conducted?
Scientists at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) analysed over 17,000 human DNA samples collected from volunteers across South Korea, China, Malaysia and Japan. Out of the 17,000, 4500 had lupus and the rest of the samples were used as controls for the study. From these samples, they identified 10 distinct genes associated with lupus. Read: Did you know rotten eggs can save you from autoimmune diseases?
One of the genes closely associated with lupus was GTF2I. Swapan Nath from OMRF explained that this gene is more closely associated with lupus than previously discovered genes from Asians and it also could be a predominant gene responsible for triggering lupus.
Significance of the study
Nath who also led the study explained that scientists are aware that lupus ha a genetic basis but until now the genes associated with disease were not identified. These genes will now help scientist design treatment methods for the disease. Judith James, Director of OMRF s Autoimmune Disease Institute also said that these findings are an advancement in the knowledge about the disease. He further added that identification of every gene brings scientists closer to uncovering the trigger of this disease.
The ultimate goal of the study was to understand the disease and develop personalised therapies for patients depending on their genetic makeup. The study was published in the journal Nature Genetics. Read: Gut bacteria may trigger auto-immune disease later in life
What is Lupus?
Lupus also known as systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system identifies it's own cells and tissues as foreign and starts attacking it. Lupus usually causes inflammation and can affect different body parts such as joints causing severe pain. Signs and symptoms od lupus often include a development of a 'butterfly rash' on cheeks and sensitivity to sunlight. Other symptoms include arthritis, fatigue, loss of appetite, muscle pain and ulcers. Read:Selena Gomez suffers from lupus, an autoimmune disease
The diagnosis is not that difficult but not people are not aware of the disease and many times it's too late when a patient is referred to a rheumatologist. Also, there is no cure for the disease and treatment usually involves controlling its symptoms.
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