A new study by researchers at the University of Texas has found a gene mutation in people with a family history of kidney stones, which makes them absorb too much calcium. They reported on six gene mutations which increase the risk of kidney stones, because they cause too much calcium absorption - a condition known as absorptive hypercalciuria (AH). They also added that people with kidney stones had a greater risk for osteoporosis because of deficiencies in the way the body handles calcium. For the study, researchers studied families with a history of kidney stones and compared their genetic profiles with those of healthy people. They found six different mutations in the same gene and having at least one of these was found to increase the risk of having AH by two to three times and having five, increased the risk by a factor of 11.5. The researchers claimed that this discovery may lead to insights into the cause of both osteoporosis and kidney stones as they found that those with AH also had lower than normal bone density in the spine. This indicated that the mutations might be used as a marker for detecting osteoporosis at an early stage, when it can be more readily treated. << Fear of the dark could be more than just fear! Less sleep:more risk for heart attack in women >> Recommended Reading DNA Finger Printing DNA fingerprinting is a technique which helps forensic scientists and legal experts solve crimes, identity thefts, legal suits and terrorism cases. READ MORE Fracture A fracture is a condition where the continuity of the bone is lost. Majority of bone fractures occur because of high force impact or stress on a bone. READ MORE Kidney Stones A kidney stone is a solid mass made up of tiny crystals and may appear in any area of the urinary system. READ MORE Kidney Stones in Children Increase in salt concentration in the urine results in precipitation of crystals and these lead to formation of kidney stones. Drinking a lot of water can prevent kidney stones. READ MORE Kyphosis Kyphosis is a spinal disorder, which is derived from Greek word – 'kyphos' which means bowed or bent. Spinal curve of the backbone in the upper back causes bowing of the backbone. It also affects the lower back. READ MORE Lifestyle And Osteoporosis Encyclopedia section of medindia briefly explains about Lifestyle and Osteoporosis READ MORE Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a bone disease that leads to an increased risk of fractures. The bone mass is reduced and the bones are porous, thereby resulting in weakness of the skeletal system of the body. READ MORE Rickets Encyclopedia section of medindia explains in brief about Rickets READ MORE Ureteroscopy for Stone Ureteroscopy is an endoscopic procedure that clears stones from the ureter or the kidney. READ MORE Urinary Stone Disease Stones in the urinary system can form in the kidneys and can sometimes travel down towards the bladder to give rise to acute colics. READ MORE Most Popular on Medindia Fongitar (Zinc Pyrithionone) Indian Medical Journals Drug Interaction Checker More News on: Kidney StonesDNA Finger PrintingFractureKidney Stones in ChildrenRicketsUreteroscopy for StoneOsteoporosisLifestyle And OsteoporosisUrinary Stone DiseaseKyphosis
A new study by researchers at the University of Texas has found a gene mutation in people with a family history of kidney stones, which makes them absorb too much calcium. They reported on six gene mutations which increase the risk of kidney stones, because they cause too much calcium absorption - a condition known as absorptive hypercalciuria (AH). They also added that people with kidney stones had a greater risk for osteoporosis because of deficiencies in the way the body handles calcium. For the study, researchers studied families with a history of kidney stones and compared their genetic profiles with those of healthy people. They found six different mutations in the same gene and having at least one of these was found to increase the risk of having AH by two to three times and having five, increased the risk by a factor of 11.5. The researchers claimed that this discovery may lead to insights into the cause of both osteoporosis and kidney stones as they found that those with AH also had lower than normal bone density in the spine. This indicated that the mutations might be used as a marker for detecting osteoporosis at an early stage, when it can be more readily treated.
