The frequency of bowel movements in humans is genetically determined. This discovery was made by an international group of researchers with the participation of specialists from Oxford and Cambridge Universities, writes Gazeta.Ru with reference to an article by researchers in the journal Cell Genomics.
Recall that up to 10% of people in the world suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, in which constipation is replaced by diarrhea, pain and bloating often appear. This condition is not life threatening, but its quality is seriously reduced. The causes of the syndrome are not well understood, but, presumably, genetic characteristics may influence it.
To find out if there is a connection between the frequency of going to the toilet and genes, scientists analyzed the genomes of almost 168 thousand people who also reported about the peculiarities of their intestines. The researchers were able to identify 14 regions of the genome, changes in which correlated with a greater or lesser frequency of “dating with a white brother.” Many of the genes in these areas have been linked to the production of neurotransmitters and hormones that regulate the interactions between the gut and the brain. In addition, scientists were able to identify features of the genome that correlate specifically with IBS.
However, scientists have yet to figure out the specific role of certain genes in the development of irritable bowel syndrome. In the future, these data will make it possible to find more effective methods for the early diagnosis of the syndrome and the fight against its symptoms, depending on the causes of its occurrence.
Source: Rosbalt
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