A recent study has revealed that genetic defects, which lead to a leaking gut, are the main cause of ulcerative colitis, a life-long inflammatory disorder. Through the new study, the disorder has been linked to four main genes which play a vital role in keeping lining of the intestine healthy.

Based on the analysis of genes of over 12,700 subjects, the Nature Genetics Study is the largest ever research conducted in this area, twice as large as any other study. Experts are therefore convinced that the results are far more believable and robust.

An incurable condition currently affecting an average of 1 person out of 1,000, ulcerative colitis is a lifelong disease which causes frequent bouts of fever, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain and rapid weight loss.

The research was conducted by experts from the IBD Genetics Consortium and the Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium, and genes of 4,700 affected people were compared with those of
8,000 healthy people. It was then discovered that four main genes which are responsible for keeping the epithelium healthy - LAMB1, CDH1, CDH3 and HNF4A - can leak out of the intestine due to genetic defects and "trigger an immune reaction, leading to prolonged inflammation".

Findings of the study are being considered much valuable in helping scientists and doctors understand the condition better. Researchers are conducting further studies based on the current cues.