Molecule key to gullet abnormality in babies

A paediatric surgery researcher in Christchurch is shedding new light on a congenital abnormality of the gullet in babies.

At least 15 babies are born every year in New Zealand with the life-threatening condition, oesophageal atresia. Most survive after having surgery one or two days after birth, although some have swallowing problems lasting well into childhood.

As part of his PhD research, Dr Dejan Arsic, of the University of Otago's Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences, is focusing on a specific protein called Sonic hedgehog (Shh). This acts as a signalling molecule, and is vital for the development of the oesophagus and trachea.

"We haven't discovered this molecule as such," Dr Arsic said, "but what we have found out which has not been understood before is that the actual levels of this protein in the tissues have a major impact on the development of this type of abnormality."

If the levels of Shh were low, there was a risk of the foregut not developing normally and a hole forming between the trachea and foregut. Without surgery, affected babies died because milk ended up in the lungs, causing pneumonia.

Dr Arsic said the next step was to identify genes involved in the development of the gastrointestinal tract. It might then be possible to prevent abnormalities such as atresia from occurring, or at least diagnose the condition before birth.

- NZPA