Gene-Environment
Interactions
According
to Hunter (2005), the focus of gene-environment studies is to better understand
and describe the influences of the environment on genetics. These influences
become important when human disease, environment, and genes have an undefined
correlation. When studying and interpreting gene-environment interactions, the
researcher may choose to uses a combination of variables that may include, but
are not limited to: genotyping technology, sample size, and study design
(Hunter, XXXXXXXXXXFor example, if 2 of 5 household family members are diagnosed
with the same disorder, gene-environment interaction may be considered as the
source of pathology.
Genetic
Studies
Genetic studies are of
worldwide concern in that the International Hap Map Project consists of
collaborative research from scientist and organization in six countries,
including the United States of America. The consortium’s focus primarily
consists of studying human genetic variation from different quadrants of the
world. Findings from these studies have been placed into databases assessable to
the public. One of the more interesting theories is that of race in that
researchers were able to refute claims of genetic differences amongst race;
however they did come to a consensus on there being geographic haplotype
consistency amongst distinct populations.Current genetic data also refute the
notion that races are genetically distinct human populations (Grigorenko, 2005).
There is currently lacking evidence that all peoples identifying as black have a
certain gene that is associated with people of color, or from a certain
continent. We can only assume that there are certain genetic traits that are
associated with people of color, in this case, a high prevelance sickle cell
trait is common amongst people from the continent of Africa. We can further
associate that there may be a gen-environment interaction with African Americans
and cardiovascular disease and, or hypertension. The environmental interaction
may come as a source of nutritional intake, or stress (Gillum, Madans, &
Mussolino, 1998).
Gene
Environment Interactions
Public
Health Relevance
The
impact of environmental influences on genes is a very relevant Public Health
issue. Some environmental influences such as air pollutants, chemicals, and pet
dandruff can be avoided, where as other’s such as temperature extremes,
molecular consistency in drinking water, and family household size would be
considered for modification, or optional. Contrary to negative connation
associated with gene-environment interaction, there are some observed protective
factors that are the product of gene-environment interaction. One in example in
particular is the lack of symptoms in some patient with Alpha-1 antitrypsin
(AAT) deficiency. This deficiency contributes to both morbidity and mortality in
children. When inherited, the AAT proteins get stuck in the liver and fail to go
to organs that need them to fight diseases (National Institutes of Health
(2011).
Reference
Gillum, R. F., Madans, J. H., & Mussolino, M. E.
XXXXXXXXXXCoronary heart disease risk factors and attributable risks in
african-american women and men: NHANES I epidemiologic follow-up study. American
Journal of Public Health, 88(6), XXXXXXXXXXRetrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/ XXXXXXXXXX?accountid=8289
Grigorenko, E. L XXXXXXXXXXThe
inherent complexities of gene-environment interactions. The Journals of
Gerontology, 60B, XXXXXXXXXXRetrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/ XXXXXXXXXX?accountid=8289
Hunter,
D.J XXXXXXXXXXGene-environment interactions in human diseases. Nature Reviews
Genetics 6, XXXXXXXXXXdoi:10.1038/nrg1578
National
Institutes of Health XXXXXXXXXXWhat Causes Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency?
Retrieved from
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/aat/causes.html