Scientists find genetic connection between diseases

A study at Edinburgh University has found evidence to show that particular genes can be linked to multiple diseases.

The study, which was published online in the American Journal of Genetics on Friday 11 November, has confirmed the suspicions of many scientists that genes that are responsible for diseases such as Crohns and Parkinsons are in fact to blame for secondary diseases and other health problems.

Dr Evropi Theodoratou, of the University of Edinburgh’s Centre for Population Health Sciences, stressed the importance of understanding the wider implications of diagnosis of genetic diseases.

She said: "Anyone who goes for genetic testing should be aware that in future any information they receive about individual genes could have wider implications than they or the clinician immediately realise. They could also influence the risk of other conditions, so being aware of these wider effects is important."

Dr Theodoratou also discussed the importance of the discoveries as common finding rather than an exception to the rule, and emphasised the importance this discovery held for geneticists and patients alike.

The gene responsible for Crohns in particular has been linked with breast cancer, prostate cancer, Hodgkin's lymphoma, high cholesterol and obesity. There are some positive links as scientists have also discovered that genes can be linked to certain fats which lower cholesterol and the chance of developing gallstones.

It is hoped that the discoveries made in this area will go a long way to combating diseases such as cancer and Parkinsons. The understanding gained from this study is expected to help in the treatment of such diseases and to contribute to the prevention of side effects developing as a result of treatment.

Earlier research of this nature indicated a link between foetal haemoglobin and the risk of malaria. The discoveries made in this study have helped scientists in this study also.