Biobank Popgen
The biobank popgen is a comprehensive biomaterial- and database for population-based and disease-specific questions as well as a central infrastructure for conducting epidemiological studies. Popgen is used for research on molecular and non-molecular risk factors for numerous diseases of civilization (e.g. diseases of the cardiovascular system, inflammatory diseases, neurological diseases or cancer).
The number of people suffering from chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (mainly Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) continues to increase in Germany and other Western countries.
Within the framework of the Kiel CED Family Study on Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, Popgen is investigating on the factors that can trigger and influence an inflammatory bowel disease.
Scientific background of the CED Family Study
The causes for the occurrence of chronic inflammatory bowel disease are complex. In addition to environmental factors such as nutrition and a misregulation of the body’s own defenses, hereditary factors play a central role in the development of the disease pattern.
Current research data indicate that approximately 400,000 people in Germany are affected by a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (Bokemeyer Gastroenterologist 2007). Every year, approximately 5 new diagnoses per 100,000 persons are made in Germany.
Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases are more common among family members of affected individuals than in the general population.
The risk of contracting the disease is approximately 5 percent if the disease is present in a first-degree relative (Russel Inflamm Bowl Dis 2008, Halme World J Gastroenterol 2006). This means that out of every 100 family members, about 5 will also develop CED during their lifetime.
Aim of the study is to find out why certain family members develop a chronic inflammatory bowel disease while others remain healthy. This makes possible better predictions of causes for the disease and probability of illness in relatives. Further analysis of factors causing these diseases prospectively could help improving medical therapy and quality of life of those affected.
Patients with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases and their affected and non-affected relatives are invited to participate in the study.
The Kiel Family Study on Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Diseases is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) within the Excellence Cluster Precision Medicine in Chronic Inflammation.