Genes linked to restless legs syndrome

 

No matter how dark the situation,
Let me always hold on to the steady
 light of hope. 

   

A common neurological disorder

Scientists have identified two new genetic regions which increase the likeliehood
of developing restless legs syndrome.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is one of the most common neurological disorders,
and as many as one in ten people will experience symptoms in their lifetime.
An estimated five million people have the condition in the UK.

People with the condition experience unpleasant sensations in their legs which can only be
relieved by moving or walking around. As the symptoms often occur in the evening or at night,
RLS can also lead to sleep disorders, chronic sleep loss and daytime fatigue in those affected.

A team of researchers from Europe, Canada and the US analysed the DNA of 4,867 RLS patients
and 7,280 without the condition.

The team identified two new genetic regions which play a role in the development of RLS.
One of the regions is found within a gene involved in regulating brain activity, known as TOX3.

It's already known that increased levels of TOX3 protein protect brain cells from death,
but the precise connection between TOX3 and RLS is as yet unknown, the scientists said.

RLS is more common in women than men, and in older people, although it can occur in any age group.
Many women develop the condition in the later stages of pregnancy, but this usually disappears after giving birth.

The research is published in the journal PLoS Genetics.

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