A new research, currently underway at the University of Leicester UK, is out to identify reasons behind the increased risk of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA) in men. In her doctoral study, Cardiovascular Sciences student Lisa Bloomer is looking into the causes of the male predominance of AAA, with a particular emphasis on genetic basis of the disease.
loomer said: "AAA is the ballooning of the abdominal part of the major artery in the body. Rupturing of the weakened artery causes death in 80% of cases due to massive blood loss. The Y chromosome, which is present exclusively in men, may hold the key to deciphering why AAA has a 50% higher diagnosis rate in men than women.
"Staggeringly, AAA kills 10,000 men each year in England and Wales alone. The male-specific Y chromosome is a prime genetic suspect in AAA development, possibly acting as an independent risk factor."
A thorough DNA analysis tracking the most common forms of the Y chromosome amongst British men with AAA and those who are free of the disease is to be undertaken.
It is hoped that the results from this research will be able to identify those individuals with a higher risk of developing AAA due to their Y chromosome.
Bloomer said: "We anticipate that certain forms of the Y chromosome will be more common in those with AAA than across the general population. Elucidation of a specific form of Y chromosome which significantly increases the risk of AAA development in men could potentially save thousands of lives each year."
Advertisement
Preliminary results from the research will be showcased at the University of Leicester's Festival of Postgraduate Research on June 24.
Advertisement