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Identification of genetic risk factor for coeliac disease promises improved treatment

06-10-2007 · EurekAlert!

Researchers have identified a new genetic risk factor for coeliac disease, an autoimmune disease affecting one in 100 of the population. The findings, made by an international research group investigating the causes of intestinal inflammatory conditions, could pave the way towards improved diagnostics and treatments for the lifelong complaint. Triggered by gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye, currently the only treatment for coeliac disease is a life-long gluten free diet.

Keywords: identification, genetic, risk, factor, coeliac, disease, promises, improved, treatment, promise

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For more information, please contact Ruth Metcalfe in the UCL Media Relations Office on tel: +44 (0)20 7679 9739, mobile: +44 (0)7990 675 947, out of hours: +44 (0)7917 271 364, e-mail: r.metcalfe@ucl.ac.uk2. 'Disruption of methylarginine metabolism impairs vascular homeostasis' is published in the February issue of the journal Nature Medicine. Advance online publication is embargoed to 18.00 GMT (13.00 US Eastern) Sunday 4 February 2007. Journalists can obtain copies of the paper by contacting the UCL Media Relations Office.3. The study was funded by the British Heart Foundation, the Wellcome Trust and the Medical Research Council. About UCL Founded in 1826, UCL was the first English university established after Oxford and Cambridge, the first to admit students regardless of race, class, religion or gender, and the first to provide systematic teaching of law, architecture and medicine. 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