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Investigators at Royal Brisbane Hospital publish new data on genetics & genomics
December 31st, 2007
2007 DEC 31 -- "Biochemical traits such as plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) and uric acid are associated with obesity, and with risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome and diabetes. Each is subject to genetic influences, but little is known about changes in genetic and environmental influences on these traits over time," researchers in Brisbane, Australia report. "We investigated the contribution of genetic and environmental influences to variation in these biochemical traits in adolescent twins and their nontwin siblings from 965 twin families. Twins were studied at ages 12, 14 and 16 years. Multivariate genetic models that included effects of age and sex were fitted to determine whether the same or different genetic or environmental factors influence each trait at different ages. Results showed that the genetic factors influencing AST, ALT, GGT and uric acid change over time during adolescence, and that the magnitude of these effects differs between males and females. The nonshared environment effects were generally time specific," wrote R.P.S. Middelberg and colleagues, Royal Brisbane Hospital. The researchers concluded: "There are developmental changes in genes affecting these traits during adolescence." Middelberg and colleagues published their study in Twin Research and Human Genetics (A longitudinal genetic study of uric acid and liver enzymes in adolescent twins. Twin Research and Human Genetics, 2007;10(5):757-764). For additional information, contact R.P.S. Middelberg, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Queensland Institute Med Research, Genetics Epidemiology Unit, Brisbane, Qld 4029, Australia. Publisher contact information for the journal Twin Research and Human Genetics is: Australian Acad Press, 32 Jeays St., Bowen Hills, Qld 4006, Australia. Keywords: Australia, Brisbane, Genetics & Genomics, Aminotransferase, Bariatrics, Biochemical, Cardiology, Cardiovascular Disease, Enzyme Research, Genetics, Glutamyltransferase, Obesity, Obesity and Diabetes, Royal Brisbane Hospital. This article was prepared by Cardiovascular Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Cardiovascular Week via NewsRx.com.
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