Study into the genetics of ANCA Associated Vasculitis

[RichardE]

Interesting article about Arthritis Research funding a study into the genetics of ANCA Associated Vasculitis.

businessweekly.co.uk/academ...

[SandieB]

This is great news!!!!

[RichardE Volunteer]

A bit more info on this.

Prof Ken Smith is an Immunologist with research interest in autoimmune diseases such as Lupus and Vasculitis.

He has already carried out research into the genetics of AAV that has led to "the discovery of a novel prognosis-predicting biomarker now entering clinical trials, and the identification of important genes involved in disease pathogenesis".

His research has shown genetic differences between PR3 and MPO ANCA Vasculitis :

m.medwirenews.com/1693/1007...

More info about Prof Smith and his department can be found here :

immunology.cam.ac.uk/direct...

med.cam.ac.uk/smith/

So far I've struggled to find anything definite about this new research but my best guess is that it relates to or at least follows on from this :

"Study of ANCA associated vasculitis genetic variations" led by Professor Ken Smith in the Cambridge Institute for Medical Research. Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) - associated vasculitides (AAV) are a group of autoimmune disorders characterised by systemic small vessel vasculitis. This study aims to better understand how specific genetic variations may contribute to AAV. Volunteers will be asked to provide a small blood sample.

[AndrewT in reply to RichardE]

Excuse me being completely thick but, whist I do know what ANCA is- in terms of the 'condition' etc.- what does it actually stand for? I know that I should know, but that doesn't help much! Did we ever get the 'glossary' idea of the ground?

[RichardE Volunteer in reply to AndrewT]

Hi Andrew. ANCA stands for Anti Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody ! Helpful eh ?

We do have a bit more about it on the website but admittedly it's a bit short and sweet. It's in the FAQ here if you want to have a look :

vasculitis.org.uk/about-vas...

[AndrewT in reply to RichardE]

In other words it is a 'marker', of sorts, as I believed it was. Thank you for the clarification though, it is appreciated (bu--er me....I spelt 'appreciated' right without the 'spell check! Don't tell me, that at fifty-two, my spelling is improving suddenly).

Thanks ,once again, for the info. Actually, as an ex-scientist-I used to work in a laboratory- I do understand, a bit anyway, about what this 'gogledy-gook' actually means.

Best wishes AndrewT

[RichardE Volunteer in reply to AndrewT]

Arf. Having just turned 52 myself I'm looking forwards to my spelling improving with age, although I've not seen any sign of it yet

But you're welcome for the info. There's some good evidence that patients who take an interest in their disease and try to understand a bit about all the medical stuff are better able to play a part in their own treatment. And this can lead to better outcomes in the long run so it's something we try to help with.

[AndrewT in reply to RichardE]

Deer Reecchard,

Zat meenz dat wier dee shame gage az eech udder, zo hour squellin shood bee da zame alzo! (my 'spell check' didn't like any of that!).

Yes both knowing a bit about, your own condition, along with asking- the right people of cause-can only help, the 'overall' understanding, between patient and doctor/consultant. (that IS a rather long sentence but, no matter how I try, I can't seem to find a 'breaking point', in it).

Anyway, hope you remain 'well', I'm at Addenbrooke's Monday, and Tuesday, next week- may as well 'do it', all at once!

AndrewT

[RichardE Volunteer in reply to AndrewT]

Yeah, I'm in a good, drug controlled remission at the mo thanks. Hope you're doing well too. All the best for your visit to Addenbrookes.

Richard.

[michichgo]

Thank you for the post, RichardE!

[hamble99b Volunteer]

Excellent! Will we be asked to join the study? I wonder.

[RichardE Volunteer]

I'm still a bit vague about this study but hopefully they will be keen for suitable volunteers to take part. As soon as we find out more information we'll post and keep everyone updated.

In the meantime I'll put up a few links in a seperate post for those interested in taking part in medical research in general.

[Suzym2u Moderator Vasculitis UK]

There is a little more info on the VUK website with a link to Arthritis UK Research vasculitis.org.uk/news/aruk...