. 'In Raynaud's patients, however, this receptor seemed to be particularly active.' A 'vasospastic' condition Raynaud's is known as a 'vasospastic' condition, which means that small blood vessels near the surface of the skin have spasms that can limit blood flow. A second gene variation – transcription factor IRX1 – which is linked to the ability of blood vessels to dilate, was also found to be more common in people with Raynaud's. 'It may activate genes that prevent constricted vessels from relaxing as they would normally do,' added Dr Pietzner. 'Together with the overactive adrenaline receptor, this may then lead to the vessels not supplying enough blood for a longer period of time, which leads to the observed white fingers and toes.' The researchers also showed that people with a genetic predisposition to low blood sugar levels have an increased risk of Raynaud's phenomenon, suggesting that eating regular meals and avoiding over-exerci){kind=link}
Researchers discover that genes behind Raynaud’s disease appear to trigger response that keeps inner organs warm
It is said that those with cold hands have a warm heart.
Now scientists have proven the adage is true, after discovering the genes behind Raynaud’s disease appear to trigger a response that keeps the inner organs warm, at the expense of the outer limbs.
More than 10 million people in Britain suffer from Raynaud’s, a condition that disrupts the blood circulation, often leaving the fingers and toes feeling painfully cold or numb.
In some cases it can turn the digits white or blue, and lead to ulcers.