BACKGROUND: Susceptibility to common chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease (CHD) appears to be influenced by "context-dependent effects," which include interactions among genes (genetic epistasis) and among genes and environmental factors (gene-environment interactions). METHODS: A synthesis of current knowledge and research findings demonstrates the importance of integrating genetic research on cardiovascular disease with preventive medicine and public health initiatives. RESULTS: A variety of candidate genes have been implicated in risk for CHD, but only limited examples of context-dependent effects have been described. Interactions between genetic and environmental factors appear to influence lipid metabolism, plasma homocysteine levels, and pharmacologic response to many commonly prescribed medications. Quantification of genetic effects associated with increased disease risk that are modifiable by interventions such as diet, exercise, and smoking cessation is an important interface between molecular genetics and preventive medicine. CONCLUSIONS: As a primary focus of preventive medicine expands to encompass early detection and treatment of asymptomatic individuals at risk for disease, the ability to quantify the influence of context-dependent effects on disease risk will be critical for determining drug safety and effectiveness in diverse patient populations and for implementing effective prevention and treatment programs.
BACKGROUND: Susceptibility to common chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease (CHD) appears to be influenced by "context-dependent effects," which include interactions among genes (genetic epistasis) and among genes and environmental factors (gene-environment interactions). METHODS: A synthesis of current knowledge and research findings demonstrates the importance of integrating genetic research on cardiovascular disease with preventive medicine and public health initiatives. RESULTS: A variety of candidate genes have been implicated in risk for CHD, but only limited examples of context-dependent effects have been described. Interactions between genetic and environmental factors appear to influence lipid metabolism, plasma homocysteine levels, and pharmacologic response to many commonly prescribed medications. Quantification of genetic effects associated with increased disease risk that are modifiable by interventions such as diet, exercise, and smoking cessation is an important interface between molecular genetics and preventive medicine. CONCLUSIONS: As a primary focus of preventive medicine expands to encompass early detection and treatment of asymptomatic individuals at risk for disease, the ability to quantify the influence of context-dependent effects on disease risk will be critical for determining drug safety and effectiveness in diverse patient populations and for implementing effective prevention and treatment programs.
Authors: Sara C Hamon; Sharon L R Kardia; Eric Boerwinkle; Kiang Liu; Kathy L E Klos; Andrew G Clark; Charles F Sing Journal: Hum Hered Date: 2006-05-19 Impact factor: 0.444
Authors: Joshua W Knowles; Themistocles L Assimes; Jun Li; Thomas Quertermous; John P Cooke Journal: Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol Date: 2007-07-26 Impact factor: 8.311
Authors: Veronica V Colinayo; Jian-Hua Qiao; Xuping Wang; Kelly L Krass; Eric Schadt; Aldons J Lusis; Thomas A Drake Journal: Mamm Genome Date: 2003-07 Impact factor: 2.957
Authors: Debbie A Lawlor; Ian N M Day; Tom R Gaunt; Lesley J Hinks; Patricia J Briggs; Matthew Kiessling; Nick Timpson; George Davey Smith; Shah Ebrahim Journal: BMC Genet Date: 2004-06-23 Impact factor: 2.797