The Role Of Genetics In Pain
A new study under way at UAB aims to determine if sisters of women with fibromyalgia may be at greater risk for developing a heightened sensitivity to pain and if so, if one or more genes are associated with this increased risk. This is the first study examining sex-related genetic factors associated with fibromyalgia, a disorder characterized by chronic muscle pain and unusually high pain sensitivity. "There is evidence that the disorder occurs more frequently among sisters of patients with fibromyalgia," says Laurence A. Bradley, Ph.D., professor of medicine at UAB. "If true, this points to a sex-related genetic predisposition for development of the disorder." Findings may help identify individuals at greater risk.
Contact Joy Carter, Media Relations, 205-934-1676 or [email protected].
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