According to Science Daily, researchers have used genetics to prove that a liver disease refered to as primary sclerosing cholangitis, better known as PSC, is a distinct disease. It was previously though that they disease was a part of irritable bowel syndrome as almost seventy percent of people who have PSC also suffer from IBS. As of yet sixteen genetic regions have been linked to PSC, this study shows that only half of those are also linked to IBS. This is the first definitive evidence that although linked, IBS and PSC are in fact two separate disorders.
PSC is a chronic and progressive disease that affects the bile ducts within the body. It can cause inflammation of the liver which leads to scaring and failure of the liver. This disease only affects one in ten thousand, however, it is currently the leading cause for liver transplant surgeries.
This study is the result of a large international study that took place in thirteen different countries. This study not only highlights the importance of international collaborations but also of genetics in medicine. Without these genetics studies doctors would still believe that PSC is the result of IBS. This new information will allow for the disease to be seen in a different light, perhaps making more treatments available before liver transplant is necessary.
Original Article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130421152410.htm
Scholarly Article: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22117637
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