MHC Genes Play Significant Role in Multiple Sclerosis
A recent study touted as the largest genetic linkage study thus far on multiple sclerosis (MS) used the latest technology to scan the entire human genome. Researchers found that the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes on chromosome six are key genes playing a significant role in the etiology of the disease.
The MHC genes are critical to immune system function - 128 functional genes and 96 pseudogenes (non-functional gene remnants). They help the human body differentiate between self and intruders such as bacteria or viruses. It’s possible that variations in the MHC genes influence susceptibility to environmental factors–trauma and heavy metals–contributing to MS.
People with multiple sclerosis most commonly experience symptoms like bladder and bowel dysfunction, changes in cognitive function, dizziness and vertigo, depression and other emotional changes, fatigue, difficulty with coordination, numbness/pins and needles, pain, sexual dysfunction, spasticity, and vision problems. It’s believed that these are caused by the loss of myelin covering the nerve fibers in multiple areas of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves (central nervous system).
Approximately 400,000 Americans acknowledge having MS, and every week about 200 people are diagnosed. Worldwide, MS may affect 2.5 million individuals. Some of these people are friends of mine and I hope these findings bring us closer to a cure.
Medical News Today, September 22, 2005
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POSTED IN: Genetics of Disease
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1 opinion for MHC Genes Play Significant Role in Multiple Sclerosis
MHC Genes and Their Role in Multiple Sclerosis | Managing Multiple Sclerosis
Dec 12, 2006 at 7:12 pm
[…] I found an interesting post pertaining to genetics and multiple sclerosis. The post originated from Hsien Hsien Lei, PhD and was posted on the GeneticsAndHealth.Com site The article refers to the fact that major histocompatibility complex genes (MHC) on human chromosome 6 are involved in regulating the immune system response to bacteria and viruses. It goes on to say that variations in the MHC genes influence the body’s susceptibility to environmental factors that could contribute to the onset of multiple sclerosis. […]
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