Research has shown mouth ulcers are partially heritable, and now an international team, led by University of Bristol researchers have identified 97 common genetic variations that predispose people to mouth ulcers. This discovery could lead to new treatment plans.

March 18, 2019

Mouth ulcers can affect up to 25% of young adults, and an even higher proportion of children, although there is currently no satisfactory treatment for the condition. Current medication options for mouth ulcers are nonspecific and can have side effects, however the new discovery of 97 genetic variations that can lead to mouth ulcers may change this. Several of these newly discovered mouth ulcer-related genes are in pathways that are already targeted by drugs that are used to treat other conditions, such as psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is possible that these existing medications could be used to help treat mouth ulcers, but this will require further investigation.

Source: Science Daily