Hemochromatosis research scientists are currently studying the specific genetic mutations that are responsible for the disease. They hope to better understand the condition and discover an effective treatment. To that end, hemochromatosis research studies are focused on discovering how iron contributes to organ damage, as well as why the amounts of iron normally stored in the body differs among people.
Hemochromatosis research studies are being conducted to answer important questions about the disease, how it is inherited, and ways to screen for it. This research already has led to many advances, and researchers continue to search for more effective methods for dealing with hemochromatosis.
Scientists hope that further study of the hemochromatosis gene (called HFE) will reveal how the body normally metabolizes iron. They also want to learn how iron injures cells and whether it contributes to organ damage in other diseases, such as:
- Alcoholic liver disease
- Hepatitis C
- Porphyria cutanea tarda
- Heart disease
- Reproductive disorders
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- Joint disease.
Hemochromatosis research scientists are also working to find out why only some patients with mutations in the gene get the disease. Research is also under way to explain why the amounts of iron people normally store in their bodies differ.