The results of a study presented today at the European League Against Rheumatism Annual Congress revealed that DNA methylation, a mechanism that regulates gene expression, could influence the progression of structural damage to the joints and spine in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The data findings showed significant associations between a low methylation score and more radiographic progression (X-ray) of the disease, and implicated smoking in worsening … Continue reading First ever study maps the epigenetics of AS development caused by environmental factors.