Advanced Search
Current and Breaking News for Professionals, Consumers and Media

Click here to learn how to advertise on this site and for ad rates.

Disease Author: Weill Cornell Medical College Last Updated: Jun 18, 2009 - 2:31:34 PM



Mutant Gene May Play Role in Crohn's Disease

By Weill Cornell Medical College
Jun 18, 2009 - 2:29:30 PM



Email Newsletter icon, E-mail Newsletter icon, Email List icon, E-mail List icon Sign up for our Ezine
For Email Marketing you can trust


Email this article
 Printer friendly page
Anti-Inflammatory Protein Lowered by Mutation

(HealthNewsDigest.com) - Weill Cornell scientists have discovered how a genetic mutation contributes to Crohn's disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel condition. Dr. Xiaojing Ma, professor of microbiology & immunology at Weill Cornell Medical College, and his team determined that the gene mutation, found in nearly half of Crohn's patients, hampers production of an anti-inflammatory protein, called interleukin-10 (IL-10).

New results published in a recent issue of Nature Immunology show that the mutant NOD2 gene leads to a lowered production of IL-10. Before now, it was unclear how the mutation influences Crohn's in humans, because mice with the mutation produce normal levels of IL-10.

Cells harvested from human patients with the mutation were found to produce less IL-10 in laboratory experiments. The researchers hope their findings will eventually lead to therapies that can overcome the IL-10 deficiency in Crohn's patients.

Subscribe to our FREE Ezine and be eligible for Health News, discounted products/services and coupons related to your Health. We publish 24/7.
HealthNewsDigest.com

Top of Page

HealthNewsDigest.com

Disease
Latest Headlines


+ Link Between Inflammatory Disease and Premature Aging
+ Reducing Dosage of Parkinson's Drugs Can Cause Symptoms Similar to Those of Cocaine Withdrawal
+ Using Biological Warfare Against Mosquitoes
+ Signs & Symptoms Of Gout
+ Multiple Sclerosis - Daily Challenges Of Living And Working
+ Overcoming Lupus: 2009: A Year of Many Firsts
+ Misdiagnosed Amyloidosis - Passing of Renowned Artist Highlights Dangers
+ Birds Play an Important Role in the Spread of Lyme Disease, Yale Study Finds
+ Anemia Drug Not Helpful for Kidney Disease Patients
+ Tarantula-Venom-based Muscular Dystrophy Therapy to be Advanced by UB Scientists' Biotech Company



Contact Us | Job Listings | Help | Site Map | About Us
Advertising Information | HND Press Release | Submit Information | Disclaimer

Site hosted by Sanchez Productions