Risk of congenital heart defects is determined by a combination of gene effects: study

Risk of congenital heart defects is determined by a combination of gene effects: study
The role of genes in congenital heart defects is more complex than previously thought with new research finding that the overall risk is determined by a combination of gene effects on both inside and
The findings showed that no Nipbl deficiency in any single tissue — including the tissue that forms the heart itself — could single-handedly account for the development of atrial septal defects.

The findings showed that no Nipbl deficiency in any single tissue — including the tissue that forms the heart itself — could single-handedly account for the development of atrial septal defects. Rather, the development of heart defects was determined by interactions between heart-forming tissues and the rest of the body. In fact, Nipbl deficiency in some tissues even seemed to protect against the development of atrial septal defects, in certain situations, the researchers explained. ‘The study results show that heart defects such as ASDs occur when the heart does not grow quickly enough to meet the demands of the developing body — in other words, that heart size and body size must be coordinated for the heart to develop without defects,’ said Anne Calof, Professor at University of California, at Irvine. ‘This is the first genetic demonstration that major risk factors for heart defects are likely to lie outside of the heart itself,’ Calof added, in the paper published in the journal PLOS Biology . (Read: Discovered — genes causing abnormal heart beat)

Source: IANS

Photo source: Shutterstock

Disclaimer: TheHealthSite.com does not guarantee any specific results as a result of the procedures mentioned here and the results may vary from person to person. The topics in these pages including text, graphics, videos and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only and not to be substituted for professional medical advice.

Previous Article

High impact sports like gymnastics, basketball & football may improve bone strength in girls

Next Article

Steroids used to treat infertility may lead to birth defects