Scientists at the University have discovered variations in an enzyme belonging to the immune system that leaves individuals susceptible to Ankylosing Spondylitis, a chronic inflammatory disease which mainly affects joints in the spine.
The variation in the enzyme can be detected by genetic testing which, if available, could lead to people becoming aware of the risk of the condition earlier.
In severe cases, Ankylosing Spondylitis can eventually cause complete fusion and rigidity of the spine, called “Bamboo spine”. It tends to first develop in teenagers and young adults with most cases first starting in people aged 20-30. Ankylosing Spondylitis is around three times more common in men than in women and there are around 200,000 people in the UK who have been diagnosed with the condition.
Although there is currently no cure, treatments and medications can reduce symptoms and pain, and very early diagnosis may even help to slow progression of the disease. It can take up to 10 years to make a diagnosis so a genetic test could revolutionise management of Ankylosing Spondylitis, the researchers say.
You can read more about this discovery here.