The Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University published the results of research on genetic changes in Wilson鈥檚 patients and its neurological symptoms at a programme at Shaheed Dr Milton Hall of the university on Tuesday.
A joint study by the departments of neurology and anatomy of the BSMMU has come up with this, said a press release.
Presided over by neurology department chairman Professor Dr Moniruzzaman Bhuiyan, the BSMMU vice-chancellor Professor Dr Deen Mohd Noorul Huq was present as chief guest at the programme.
Pro-VC (academic) of the university Professor Dr Mohammad Atiqur Rahman, pro-VC (research and development) Professor Dr Md Moniruzzaman Khan, dean of the faculty of medicine Professor Dr Abu Nasar Rizvi, dean of faculty of basic science Professor Dr Ahmed Abu Saleh were present as special guests at the programme.聽
Professor Dr Laila Anjuman Banu, chairman of anatomy department, and Professor Dr Ahsan Habib Helal of neurology department presented the results at the programme.
A detailed study of the disease that damages the brain and liver due to excess copper accumulation in the body, mainly due to a genetic disorder, the press release said, adding that two new mutations of Wilson鈥檚 disease had been identified in the country.
The treatment of this disease is being done at the university through target gene therapy.
The total number of patients in the study was 50, of which 28 were male and 22 were female. Among the six patients, three mutations were found, two of which were new to Bangladesh, said Laila Anjuman.
As Wilson鈥檚 disease is caused by genetic changes, it is best not to marry close blood relatives to avoid this disease, the VC urged not to marry close blood relatives to avoid this disease.
He also said that assistance would be provided by the University administration to ensure funds required for research.