2023/11/06

New study sheds light on the genetic link between Hemorrhoids, Diverticular Disease, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Researchers from CIC bioGUNE provide new insights into digestive disease research.

The recent study, published in the international journal in gastroenterology and hepatology Gut, provides fresh insights into the genetic correlation between Hemorrhoids, Diverticular Disease, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

A recent study performed by the Gastrointestinal Genetics laboratory, led by Dr. Mauro D'Amato, Ikerbasque research Professor at CIC bioGUNE – member of BRTA – and Professor of Medical Genetics at LUM University in Bari (Italy), sheds light on the causal relationship between genetically related conditions: hemorrhoidal disease (HEM), diverticular disease (DIV), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Using complex statistical genetic approaches (mendelian randomization), the researchers investigated these links and found that the causal relationship might not be as straightforward as previously thought. The study provides fresh insights into the genetic correlation between these conditions.

Unlike previous research, this study explored the relationship between HEM, DIV, and IBS from multiple angles. It employed advanced analytical methods and the most recent data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of several thousands of cases, to assess the genetic risk factors associated with these conditions.

The research discovered that DIV and, to a lesser extent, IBS, appear to have a causative effect on HEM, shedding new light on these conditions' interplay. These findings challenge earlier assumptions about the connections between these digestive disorders.

The study used rigorous analysis techniques and a large dataset to ensure the reliability of the results. These findings have significant implications for understanding the underlying mechanisms of these conditions and their potential impact on diagnosis and treatment.

Reference: Simonas Juzenas, David Ellinghaus, Serena Sanna, Andre Franke, Mauro D'Amato. Gut. DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-330364

About CIC bioGUNE

The Centre for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), member of the Basque Research & Technology Alliance (BRTA), located in the Bizkaia Technology Park, is a biomedical research organisation conducting cutting-edge research at the interface between structural, molecular and cell biology, with a particular focus on generating knowledge on the molecular bases of disease, for use in the development of new diagnostic methods and advanced therapies.

About Ikerbasque

Ikerbasque - Basque Foundation for Science - is the result of an initiative of the Department of Education of the Basque Government that aims to reinforce the commitment to scientific research by attracting, recovering and consolidating excellent researchers from all over the world. Currently, it is a consolidated organization that has 290 researchers/s, who develop their work in all fields of knowledge.

About BRTA

BRTA is an alliance of 4 collaborative research centres (CIC bioGUNE, CIC nanoGUNE, CIC biomaGUNE y CIC energiGUNE) and 12 technology centres (Azterlan, Azti, Ceit, Cidetec, Gaiker, Ideko, Ikerlan, Lortek, Neiker, Tecnalia, Tekniker and Vicomtech) with the main objective of developing advanced technological solutions for the Basque corporate fabric.

With the support of the Basque Government, the SPRI Group and the Provincial Councils of the three territories, the alliance seeks to promote collaboration between the research centres, strengthen the conditions to generate and transfer knowledge to companies, contributing to their competitiveness and outspreading the Basque scientific-technological capacity abroad.

BRTA has a workforce of 3,500 professionals, executes 22% of the Basque Country's R&D investment, registers an annual turnover of more than 300 million euros and generates 100 European and international patents per year.

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