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A gene named SPINK1 has been identified in relation to damage caused to pancreas and resulting to early onset of Diabetes. This gene has been associated with Tropical Calcific Pancreatitis (TCP). A seven member joint team of scientists from Asian Institute of Gastroenterology and Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad found out this gene and its relation with the disease. Pancreas plays two roles. Producing hormone insulin to control the blood sugar level and another of producing en enzyme Trypsinogen. This enzyme helps in the digestion of food in the intestines. In the intestines this trypsinogen is converted to typsin which helps in the digestion of food. The problem begins when the enzyme trypsinogen is activated in the pancreas itself and thus leading to the digestion of pancreas itself. The damaged pancreas is unable to perform its required functions and thus leads to diabetes. The symptoms begin in the childhood with abdominal pain followed by diabetes in the adolescence and early death by 40. In others, chronic pancreatitis damages the gland and may lead to cancer. The identification of the gene SPINK1 may lead to newer methods to control this disease. It has been found that those suffering from this disease had a mutant form of this gene. Identification of this mutant gene in the childhood may help doctors to suggest precautions to avoid incidences pancreatitis and diabetes.It can be used as screening tool for patients as well as for unaffected relatives. Genetic counseling can help in the prevention of transmission of the disease to next generation. In the long run the scientists may be able to pluck out the faulty gene from the foetus and provide a correct copy of SPINK1. In Europe and US the commonly occurring pancreatitis is due to alcohol abuse. The genetic form of pancreatitis is found mainly in the tropics. In India Tropical Calcific Pancreatitis is is found to be more common in states of Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Naidu and some parts of Orissa. In parts of Kerela like Kottayam and Kollam the incidence is very high with one in every 1000 persons suffing from this disease.
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