Scientists have identified two genes linked to a common circulatory condition that affects millions of people across the UK.
Raynaud’s disease causes blood to stop flowing properly into the fingers and toes, which can cause the skin to turn white or blue.
Symptoms of pain, numbness or pins and needles can last from a few minutes to a few hours.
In more serious cases, it can cause severe pain or ulcers.
It is most likely to occur when an affected person is cold, anxious or stressed.
Researchers at Queen Mary’s University and the Berlin Institute of Health used data from the UK Biobank study to assess whether sufferers of Raynaud’s are genetically different to those who do not have the condition.
They compared data from 5,147 people with Raynaud’s to more than 400,000 people who did not have the condition.
Scientists discovered two genes linked to the condition.
The first, known as ADRA2A, is a “classic stress receptor” that causes small blood vessels to contract.
And the second, named IXR1, regulates the ability of blood vessels to dilate.
Low blood sugar levels may also have a “detrimental effect” on people with Raynaud’s, the study found.
The team said that their discovery could help lead to the first effective treatment for people with the condition.
They suggest that Mirtazipine, a common antidepressant, could be tested as a possible treatment.
Commenting on the study, Dr Emma Blamont, head of research for Scleroderma and Raynaud’s UK, said: “We know that attacks can be brought on by certain triggers like cold and stress, but relatively little is known about why some people experience Raynaud’s and others don’t.
“For the millions of people living with this condition, simple everyday tasks can be a challenge, so research like this, which significantly advances our understanding of Raynaud’s and the role that genetics may play in causing it, is crucial.
“The next step is to confirm these important findings in more diverse population groups and validate the results through functional studies.
“If successful, these findings could help us unlock more new therapeutic avenues for Raynaud’s leading to better, more targeted and kinder treatments.”
