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The condition is three more times as common in men than women and symptoms tend to develop gradually, sometimes over many years.

Ankylosing spondylitis causes back pain, stiffness, fatigue and impaired mobility that develops over time.

There is no cure for AS at the moment, however experts have announced a new breakthrough which could help sufferers.

New research has revealed an insight into the genetic causes of ankylosing spondylitis that could aid the future treatment of the disease.

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A study by the University of Oxford has found that the specific genetic variants associated with the onset of the condition may be more common than previously thought.

Data on 213 ankylosing spondylitis patients and 46 people with rheumatoid arthritis was analysed in order to examine the common scientific assumption that ankylosing spondylitis is mostly associated with unusual genotypes called ERAP1.

Two genes involved in antigen processing and presentation to the immune system - HLA-B27 and ERAP1 - have a big role to play in driving the disease.

Previously studies have indicated that rare ERAP1 variants are responsible for the condition.

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Ankylosing spondylitis is known to have a significant genetic link

However experts found that it was in fact common variants of ERAP1 that were responsible for regulating people's ankylosing spondylitis, rather than rare variations or unusual genetic combinations.

The causes of the disease are not currently well understood, so further research into its genetic origins could make it easier for scientists to create new and more effective therapies.

The researchers said the findings have potential implications for future studies addressing the development of ERAP1 inhibitors as new treatments, 'not only for ankylosing spondylitis but also in other diseases genetically associated with ERAP1'.

Dr Katherine Free, research engagement manager at Arthritis Research UK, said: "Ankylosing spondylitis is known to have a significant genetic link, and studies to date have identified over 40 genetic changes that are thought to contribute to an individual's risk of developing this disease.

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"Previous research has shown that alterations within two particular genes, known as HLA-B27 and ERAP1, have a particularly strong link to ankylosing spondylitis.

This research sheds new light on the particular genetic changes within ERAP1 that are responsible for disease development.

Identifying the effect that these genetic changes have on the immune system could pave the way for the development of new and more effective treatments for this condition."

The research was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Does arthritis really get worse in winter?

Read the rest here:
Arthritis symptoms - CURE on the horizon for this painful condition - Express.co.uk

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