Identify genetic variation that increases elephantiasis

A team of researchers has found three genetic variants in an area of ​​the human genome that increase the risk of elephantiasis.

The elephant leg disease is scientifically known as podoconiosis , caused by a tropical earthworm that causes inflammation of the leg lymphatic system, leading to leg swelling, affecting about 4 million people worldwide. now on. The disease often spreads in families. So many people believe that the disease is related to genetic factors, but scientists have yet to find out which genetic variation increases the risk of infection.

The HLA class II genetic variant of the genome increases the risk of elephantiasis

So far, comparing the genome of 194 people with elephantiasis in southern Ethiopia to 203 people who are not sick, researchers are funded by the Wellcome Trust, the Association of UK and Ireland Physicians. identified a combination of three genetic variants that increased the risk of developing the disease 2-3 times higher than a variant. All three variants belong to the HLA class II region of the genome, an area that plays an important role in the body's immune system.

With this finding, scientists have evidence that there is an immune base for elephantiasis. It promises to bring back a new treatment with drugs that affect this immune system. The findings also help explain the origin and reason of elephant leg disease common in Africa.

Scientists are still investigating to determine the main molecules affected by genetic variation in increasing the risk of elephantiasis. At the same time continue to recommend people should wear slippers, shoes to protect the feet.