Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease affects the colon (Shown above).
Scientists have found new genetic markers for Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. The study also supports the notion that Ashkenazi Jews (eastern Europe) are twice as likely to get the diseases.
Around 30 percent of people in the U.S. who have inflammatory bowel disease have a family history of the condition, and about 25 percent of those families have histories of both of the aforementioned diseases. Crohn’s disease inflames the colon, while Ulcerative Colitis inflames the lining of the (gulp) rectum and colon.
Researchers searched for DNA variations called single nucleotide polymorphisms or SNPS in about 1000 families with Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. Among those of eastern European Jewish descent, the researchers found evidence of genetic markers for Crohn’s disease on chromosomes 1 and 3. They also pinpointed a previously unidentified region of chromosome 13 in both Jewish and non-Jewish families that may cause Crohn’s. The scientists also identified areas on chromosomes 2 and 19 that may be related to ulcerative colitis.
Until now, no gene regions have been linked to transmission to transmit inflamatory bowel disease.
