New findings on stroke-related genes

According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (US), scientists have discovered important genetic differences that significantly increase the risk of stroke.

It is worth mentioning that this difference is found in millions of people. Previously, scientists have discovered many types of stroke-related genes, but they have never found the occurrence of those genes in so many people.

Scientists from many different research groups have discovered two gene variants on chromosome 12 near two genes related to stroke. The first gene - WNK1 - is involved in blood pressure control, while the second gene -NINJ2- is involved in restoring brain damage.

These two genes are side by side and all have a very large relationship to ischemic stroke, the most common form of stroke due to cerebral thrombosis. Now researchers have not identified exactly which gene is the main "culprit", but the hypotheses are inclined to the NINJ2 gene.

When tested, the scientists discovered one of two changes in DNA, also known as SNPs, near the NINJ2 gene in 20% of white people and 10% of African Americans. Having these transgenic copies may increase the risk of ischemic stroke by about 30%. Research shows that although SNPs are unlikely to be the actual cause of a stroke, it may be related to genetic causes.

Scientists acknowledge that research results cannot be stopped here, however, it opens up new directions for pharmaceutical companies to study better treatments and direct gender attention. Research on new biological mechanisms to prevent stroke risk.

Stroke is the third highest cause of death in the United States and leaves a long-term and severe disability for patients.