Who is most affected by Gaucher disease?

Who is most affected by Gaucher disease?

Gaucher disease occurs in 1 in 50,000 to 100,000 people in the general population. Type 1 is the most common form of the disorder; it occurs more frequently in people of Ashkenazi (eastern and central European) Jewish heritage than in those with other backgrounds.

Is Gaucher disease a Jewish disease?

The most common Ashkenazi genetic disease is Gaucher disease, with one out of every 10 Ashkenazi Jews carrying the mutated gene that causes the disease. Doctors classify Gaucher disease into three different types, resulting from a deficiency of glucocerebrosidase (GCase) within the body.

Which ethnic group has the highest incidence of Gaucher disease?

Gaucher disease is considerably more common in the descendants of Jewish people from Eastern Europe (Ashkenazi), although individuals from any ethnic group may be affected. Among the Ashkenazi Jewish population, Gaucher disease is the most common genetic disorder, with an incidence of approximately 1 in 450 persons.

How does someone get Gaucher disease?

Gaucher disease is passed down from parents to children (is inherited). It is caused by a problem with the GBA gene. It is an autosomal recessive disorder. This means that each parent must pass along an abnormal GBA gene for their child to get Gaucher.

When did Ashkenazi leave Israel?

Tradition holds, though, that Ashkenazi Jews ultimately trace their origins straight back to ancient Israel, whence most Jews were expelled en masse in 70 CE by their Roman conquerors and sent skittering to all parts of the globe. (Jews who initially fled to Spain and Portugal are referred to as Sephardic.

What are the most common diseases among Ashkenazi Jews?

Because of mutations in certain genes and high carrier frequencies, five diseases are especially common among Ashkenazi Jews: The most common Ashkenazi genetic disease is Gaucher disease, with one out of every 10 Ashkenazi Jews carrying the mutated gene that causes the disease.

How common is Gaucher disease in Ashkenazi Jews?

June 14, 2017 Share. According to current estimates, as many as one in three Ashkenazi Jews, those with Eastern European descent, are carriers for certain genetic diseases, including Gaucher disease. Researchers think Ashkenazi genetic diseases arise because of the common ancestry many Jews share.

What is go-Shay disease?

Gaucher (go-SHAY) disease is the result of a buildup of certain fatty substances in certain organs, particularly your spleen and liver. This causes these organs to enlarge and can affect their function. The fatty substances also can build up in bone tissue, weakening the bone and increasing the risk of fractures.

How common is Gaucher disease (go-Shay)?

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Gaucher disease (pronounced go-SHAY), know that you are not alone. Gaucher disease affects up to 1 in 40,000 live births in the general population. What Is Gaucher Disease?