The Role of Genetics in Defining Reference Values and Health Status

Abstract

Abstract:Since its establishment, the Center for Preventive Medicine in Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France, performed specific studies on healthy humans, and its approach was very useful for defining reference values. Prevention should extend its interest to chronic diseases. The majority of important adult disorders are partially genetically determined. Genetic markers are also useful as exclusion or as partition criteria in the production of reference values. Results are presented that were obtained for apolipoproteins E, B and AIV, frequencies of these polymorphisms in the Lorraine population, and relationships between these polymorphisms and lipid metabolism-related parameters. Health checkup centers, in particular those involved in family screening, are well suited for reassembling many data concerning environmental factors: tobacco consumption, alimentation habits, or alcohol and drug consumption. Simultaneous determination of genetic markers could allow the determination of an individual’s susceptibility or resistance to developing a disease and to prepare a preventive action.

Objectives, Design and Recruitment of a Familial and Longitudinal Cohort for Studying Gene-Environment Interactions in the Field of Cardiovascular Risk: The Stanislas Cohort

“…Family studies are necessary to estimate the contributions of genetic and environmental factors (7,8). This belief is strongly reinforced by the study of genetic diseases such as familial hypercholesterolaemia (9).…”