Study Finds Endogamy Causes Genetic Diseases in India
A recent study by researchers at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad has revealed that marrying within small communities, a practice known as endogamy, is a major reason for hereditary diseases in India. The study was led by Dr. K Thangaraj, a CSIR Bhatnagar Fellow at CCMB.
One key finding of the study, published in the Journal of Genetics and Genomics, is the high prevalence of ankylosing spondylitis, a type of arthritis that causes inflammation in the spine’s joints and ligaments. The disease is linked to a genetic variant called HLA-B27:04, which increases the risk of developing this condition.
Dr. Sarath Chandra Mouli Veeravalli, a rheumatologist from Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences and co-author of the study, explained that ankylosing spondylitis is commonly found in the Reddy community, who primarily live in a specific region of Andhra Pradesh.
The study also discovered new genetic variants related to drug metabolism. These findings have important implications for personalized medicine, particularly in how certain drugs like tacrolimus (used to suppress the immune system) and warfarin (a blood thinner) affect different individuals.
Dr. Divya Tej Sowpati, another co-author, noted that genetic variations impact drug response differently across populations. This knowledge could help develop targeted treatments and improve health outcomes.
Dr. Thangaraj emphasized that the study highlights the impact of endogamy on genetic diseases and drug responses. He stressed the importance of genetic screening, counseling, and proper clinical care for communities that are at risk of hereditary conditions.
Dr. Vinay K Nandicoori, Director of CSIR-CCMB, said that this research is an important step toward understanding India’s unique genetic makeup and its impact on health.
