Genetic causes
In ulcerative colitis, a genetic involvement of the disease can be assumed. However, it is not yet possible to say whether a single gene or several genes are involved. So far, one gene has been discovered that is suspected to be associated with ulcerative colitis.
It has been found that ulcerative colitis occurs more frequently in some families. Thus, close relatives of a person suffering from ulcerative colitis have a significantly increased risk of developing ulcerative colitis. In the case of identical twins, the other twin also develops ulcerative colitis with a risk of 50-60%, even if one of them is affected.
According to studies at the Medical University of Heidelberg, a genetic mutation is suspected, which changes a connecting protein between the intestinal cells. As a result, the composition of the intestinal mucosa changes and the intestine is no longer so well protected from the bacteria living in the intestine. Finally, a lot of research is still needed on the genetic level.
