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Borgi M, Collacchi B, Cirulli F, Medda E. Reduction in the use of green spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on mental health. Health Place 2023; 83:103093. [PMID: 37527570 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2023.103093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Our study examined the use of green spaces before and during the pandemic in a large cohort of Italian twins and evaluated its impact on measures of mental health (depressive, anxiety, stress symptoms). Twins were analysed as individuals and as pairs. A twin design approach was applied to minimize confounding by genetic and shared environmental factors. Questionnaires from 2,473 twins enrolled in the Italian Twin Registry were screened. Reduced green space use was associated with significantly higher levels of depression, anxiety and distress. Being a woman, residing in urban areas, and having a high perceived risk of the outbreak resulted in a higher likelihood to modify green space use, with a negative impact on mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Borgi
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, I-00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Collacchi
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, I-00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Cirulli
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, I-00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Emanuela Medda
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, I-00161, Rome, Italy
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A Critical Review of Statistical Methods for Twin Studies Relating Exposure to Early Life Health Conditions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182312696. [PMID: 34886424 PMCID: PMC8657152 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
When investigating disease etiology, twin data provide a unique opportunity to control for confounding and disentangling the role of the human genome and exposome. However, using appropriate statistical methods is fundamental for exploiting such potential. We aimed to critically review the statistical approaches used in twin studies relating exposure to early life health conditions. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase (2011–2021). We identified 32 studies and nine classes of methods. Five were conditional approaches (within-pair analyses): additive-common-erratic (ACE) models (11 studies), generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs, five studies), generalized linear models (GLMs) with fixed pair effects (four studies), within-pair difference analyses (three studies), and paired-sample tests (two studies). Four were marginal approaches (unpaired analyses): generalized estimating equations (GEE) models (five studies), GLMs with cluster-robust standard errors (six studies), GLMs (one study), and independent-sample tests (one study). ACE models are suitable for assessing heritability but require adaptations for binary outcomes and repeated measurements. Conditional models can adjust by design for shared confounders, and GLMMs are suitable for repeated measurements. Marginal models may lead to invalid inference. By highlighting the strengths and limitations of commonly applied statistical methods, this review may be helpful for researchers using twin designs.
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Differences and Correlation Analysis of Birth Weight and Overweight/Obesity in Shanghai Twin Cohort. Twin Res Hum Genet 2021; 24:29-36. [PMID: 33645497 DOI: 10.1017/thg.2021.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to analyze differences in birth weight and overweight/obesity in a Shanghai twin cohort. We also wanted to study their association and explore possible risk factors for the discordance of overweight/obesity within twins. This was an internal case-control study designed for twins. The 2012 Shanghai Twin Registration System baseline survey data of a total of 3417 twin pairs were statistically analyzed using SPSS22 software. Results show that the body mass index (BMI) of the Shanghai twin population increased with age. Twins with a high birth weight had a higher BMI and a higher rate of overweight and obesity; 0- to 6-year-old twins, male twins and dizygotic (DZ) twins had higher rates of overweight/obesity than other groups. The greater the discordant birth weight rate of twins, the more obvious the difference in BMI (p < .05). There was a significant difference in overweight/obesity between twins with a relative difference of birth weight ≥15% in DZ twins (p < .05). DZ twins, male twins and 0- to 6-year-old twins were more likely to be discordant in overweight/obese than others. The discordant birth weight within twins was not a risk factor for discordant overweight/obesity. However, attention should be paid to childhood obesity, and appropriate interventions should be made at the appropriate time. Genetics may play an important role in the occurrence and development of overweight/obesity. In conclusion, discordant growth and development in the uterus early in life may not lead to discordant weight development in the future.
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4
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Jelenkovic A, Yokoyama Y, Sund R, Hur YM, Harris JR, Brandt I, Nilsen TS, Ooki S, Ullemar V, Almqvist C, Magnusson PKE, Saudino KJ, Stazi MA, Fagnani C, Brescianini S, Nelson TL, Whitfield KE, Knafo-Noam A, Mankuta D, Abramson L, Cutler TL, Hopper JL, Llewellyn CH, Fisher A, Corley RP, Huibregtse BM, Derom CA, Vlietinck RF, Bjerregaard-Andersen M, Beck-Nielsen H, Sodemann M, Krueger RF, McGue M, Pahlen S, Alexandra Burt S, Klump KL, Dubois L, Boivin M, Brendgen M, Dionne G, Vitaro F, Willemsen G, Bartels M, van Beijsterveld CEM, Craig JM, Saffery R, Rasmussen F, Tynelius P, Heikkilä K, Pietiläinen KH, Bayasgalan G, Narandalai D, Haworth CMA, Plomin R, Ji F, Ning F, Pang Z, Rebato E, Tarnoki AD, Tarnoki DL, Kim J, Lee J, Lee S, Sung J, Loos RJF, Boomsma DI, Sørensen TIA, Kaprio J, Silventoinen K. Associations between birth size and later height from infancy through adulthood: An individual based pooled analysis of 28 twin cohorts participating in the CODATwins project. Early Hum Dev 2018; 120:53-60. [PMID: 29656171 PMCID: PMC6532975 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2018.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is evidence that birth size is positively associated with height in later life, but it remains unclear whether this is explained by genetic factors or the intrauterine environment. AIM To analyze the associations of birth weight, length and ponderal index with height from infancy through adulthood within mono- and dizygotic twin pairs, which provides insights into the role of genetic and environmental individual-specific factors. METHODS This study is based on the data from 28 twin cohorts in 17 countries. The pooled data included 41,852 complete twin pairs (55% monozygotic and 45% same-sex dizygotic) with information on birth weight and a total of 112,409 paired height measurements at ages ranging from 1 to 69 years. Birth length was available for 19,881 complete twin pairs, with a total of 72,692 paired height measurements. The association between birth size and later height was analyzed at both the individual and within-pair level by linear regression analyses. RESULTS Within twin pairs, regression coefficients showed that a 1-kg increase in birth weight and a 1-cm increase in birth length were associated with 1.14-4.25 cm and 0.18-0.90 cm taller height, respectively. The magnitude of the associations was generally greater within dizygotic than within monozygotic twin pairs, and this difference between zygosities was more pronounced for birth length. CONCLUSION Both genetic and individual-specific environmental factors play a role in the association between birth size and later height from infancy to adulthood, with a larger role for genetics in the association with birth length than with birth weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Jelenkovic
- Department of Social Research, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland, Department of Genetics, Physical Anthropology and Animal Physiology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Y Yokoyama
- Department of Public Health Nursing, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
| | - R Sund
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - YM Hur
- Department of Education, Mokpo National University, Jeonnam, South Korea
| | - JR Harris
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - I Brandt
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - TS Nilsen
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - S Ooki
- Department of Health Science, Ishikawa Prefectural Nursing University, Kahoku, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - V Ullemar
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - C Almqvist
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, Pediatric Allergy and Pulmonology Unit at Astrid Lindgren Children’s Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - PKE Magnusson
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - KJ Saudino
- Boston University, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston, MA, USA
| | - MA Stazi
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità - Centre for Behavioural Sciences and Mental Health, Rome, Italy
| | - C Fagnani
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità - Centre for Behavioural Sciences and Mental Health, Rome, Italy
| | - S Brescianini
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità - Centre for Behavioural Sciences and Mental Health, Rome, Italy
| | - TL Nelson
- Department of Health and Exercise Sciences, Colorado School of Public Health, Colorado State University, USA
| | - KE Whitfield
- Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - A Knafo-Noam
- The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - D Mankuta
- Hadassah Hospital Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Hebrew University Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - L Abramson
- The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - TL Cutler
- The Australian Twin Registry, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - JL Hopper
- The Australian Twin Registry, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - CH Llewellyn
- Health Behaviour Research Centre, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, UK
| | - A Fisher
- Health Behaviour Research Centre, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, UK
| | - RP Corley
- Institute of Behavioral Science, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - BM Huibregtse
- Institute of Behavioral Science, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - CA Derom
- Centre of Human Genetics, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ghent University Hospitals, Ghent, Belgium
| | - RF Vlietinck
- Centre of Human Genetics, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - M Bjerregaard-Andersen
- Bandim Health Project, INDEPTH Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, Research Center for Vitamins and Vaccines, Statens Serum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark, Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - H Beck-Nielsen
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - M Sodemann
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - RF Krueger
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - M McGue
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - S Pahlen
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | - KL Klump
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - L Dubois
- School of Epidemiology, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - M Boivin
- École de psychologie, Université Laval, Québec, Canada, Institute of Genetic, Neurobiological, and Social Foundations of Child Development, Tomsk State University, Russian Federation
| | - M Brendgen
- Département de psychologie, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - G Dionne
- École de psychologie, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - F Vitaro
- École de psychoéducation, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - G Willemsen
- Department of Biological Psychology, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - M Bartels
- Department of Biological Psychology, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - CEM van Beijsterveld
- Department of Biological Psychology, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - JM Craig
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia, Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - R Saffery
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia, Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - F Rasmussen
- Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, Sweden
| | - P Tynelius
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - K Heikkilä
- Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - KH Pietiläinen
- Obesity Research Unit, Research Programs Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - G Bayasgalan
- Healthy Twin Association of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - D Narandalai
- Healthy Twin Association of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - CMA Haworth
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - R Plomin
- King’s College London, MRC Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - F Ji
- Department of Noncommunicable Diseases Prevention, Qingdao Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, China
| | - F Ning
- Department of Noncommunicable Diseases Prevention, Qingdao Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, China
| | - Z Pang
- Department of Noncommunicable Diseases Prevention, Qingdao Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, China
| | - E Rebato
- Department of Genetics, Physical Anthropology and Animal Physiology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - AD Tarnoki
- Department of Radiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary, Hungarian Twin Registry, Budapest, Hungary
| | - DL Tarnoki
- Department of Radiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary, Hungarian Twin Registry, Budapest, Hungary
| | - J Kim
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - J Lee
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - S Lee
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - J Sung
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea, Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - RJF Loos
- The Charles Bronfman Institute for Personalized Medicine, The Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - DI Boomsma
- Department of Biological Psychology, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - TIA Sørensen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Basic Metabolic Research (Section of Metabolic Genetics), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark, Department of Public Health (Section of Epidemiology), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - J Kaprio
- Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland, Institute for Molecular Medicine FIMM, Helsinki, Finland
| | - K Silventoinen
- Department of Social Research, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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The STOPPA Twin Study Explains the Exhaled Nitric Oxide and Asthma Link by Genetics and Sensitization. Twin Res Hum Genet 2018; 20:330-337. [PMID: 28724478 DOI: 10.1017/thg.2017.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The link between asthma and exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) is not completely understood. The aim of this study was to estimate the association between FENO and asthma, taking genetics, sensitization, and inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) into account. METHODS A total of 681 twins (53% monozygotic [MZ] and 47% dizygotic [DZ]) from the population-based STOPPA study (mean age 12.6 years) were recruited and information on FENO (parts per billion), parental report of current asthma, sensitization to airborne allergens (Phadiatop; IgE ≥0.35 kUA/l), and ICS-treatment was collected. We estimated the association between FENO and asthma, sensitization, and ICS in all twins and within pairs (DZ and MZ) to address shared genetic and environmental factors. Linear regression of log-transformed FENO was used and results presented as exponentiated regression coefficients (exp[β]), with 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS We found an association between asthma and FENO in all twins, exp(β) 1.31 [1.11, 1.54]. In within-pairs analysis, the association was stronger within DZ pairs discordant for FENO, exp(β) 1.50 [1.19, 1.89], compared to MZ pairs, exp(β) 1.07 [0.84, 1.37], p = .049. There was no difference in FENO in non-sensitized children with asthma, compared to children with neither asthma nor sensitization, exp(β) 0.89 [0.77, 1.03]. However, increased FENO was associated with sensitization, exp(β) 1.48 [1.30, 1.69], and with sensitization together with asthma, exp(β) 1.98 [1.57, 2.51], in all twins and within DZ pairs discordant for FENO, but not in MZ pairs. The FENO asthma association remained in DZ pairs without regular ICS-treatment. CONCLUSIONS The association between FENO and asthma is explained by genetics and sensitization.
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Jelenkovic A, Yokoyama Y, Sund R, Pietiläinen KH, Hur YM, Willemsen G, Bartels M, van Beijsterveldt TCEM, Ooki S, Saudino KJ, Stazi MA, Fagnani C, D’Ippolito C, Nelson TL, Whitfield KE, Knafo-Noam A, Mankuta D, Abramson L, Heikkilä K, Cutler TL, Hopper JL, Wardle J, Llewellyn CH, Fisher A, Corley RP, Huibregtse BM, Derom CA, Vlietinck RF, Loos RJF, Bjerregaard-Andersen M, Beck-Nielsen H, Sodemann M, Tarnoki AD, Tarnoki DL, Burt SA, Klump KL, Ordoñana JR, Sánchez-Romera JF, Colodro-Conde L, Dubois L, Boivin M, Brendgen M, Dionne G, Vitaro F, Harris JR, Brandt I, Nilsen TS, Craig JM, Saffery R, Rasmussen F, Tynelius P, Bayasgalan G, Narandalai D, Haworth CMA, Plomin R, Ji F, Ning F, Pang Z, Rebato E, Krueger RF, McGue M, Pahlen S, Boomsma DI, Sørensen TIA, Kaprio J, Silventoinen K. Association between birthweight and later body mass index: an individual-based pooled analysis of 27 twin cohorts participating in the CODATwins project. Int J Epidemiol 2017; 46:1488-1498. [PMID: 28369451 PMCID: PMC5837357 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyx031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is evidence that birthweight is positively associated with body mass index (BMI) in later life, but it remains unclear whether this is explained by genetic factors or the intrauterine environment. We analysed the association between birthweight and BMI from infancy to adulthood within twin pairs, which provides insights into the role of genetic and environmental individual-specific factors. Methods This study is based on the data from 27 twin cohorts in 17 countries. The pooled data included 78 642 twin individuals (20 635 monozygotic and 18 686 same-sex dizygotic twin pairs) with information on birthweight and a total of 214 930 BMI measurements at ages ranging from 1 to 49 years. The association between birthweight and BMI was analysed at both the individual and within-pair levels using linear regression analyses. Results At the individual level, a 1-kg increase in birthweight was linearly associated with up to 0.9 kg/m2 higher BMI (P < 0.001). Within twin pairs, regression coefficients were generally greater (up to 1.2 kg/m2 per kg birthweight, P < 0.001) than those from the individual-level analyses. Intra-pair associations between birthweight and later BMI were similar in both zygosity groups and sexes and were lower in adulthood. Conclusions These findings indicate that environmental factors unique to each individual have an important role in the positive association between birthweight and later BMI, at least until young adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Jelenkovic
- Department of Social Research, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Genetics, Physical Anthropology and Animal Physiology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Yoshie Yokoyama
- Department of Public Health Nursing, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Reijo Sund
- Department of Social Research, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kirsi H Pietiläinen
- Obesity Research Unit, Research Programs Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland and Abdominal Center, Endocrinology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Yoon-Mi Hur
- Department of Education, Mokpo National University, Jeonnam, South Korea
| | - Gonneke Willemsen
- Department of Biological Psychology, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Meike Bartels
- Department of Biological Psychology, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Syuichi Ooki
- Department of Health Science, Ishikawa Prefectural Nursing University, Kahoku, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Kimberly J Saudino
- Boston University, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciencies, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maria A Stazi
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità—National Center for Epidemiology, Surveillance and Health Promotion, Rome, Italy
| | - Corrado Fagnani
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità—National Center for Epidemiology, Surveillance and Health Promotion, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina D’Ippolito
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità—National Center for Epidemiology, Surveillance and Health Promotion, Rome, Italy
| | - Tracy L Nelson
- Department of Health and Exercise Sciencies and Colorado School of Public Health, Colorado State University, USA
| | | | | | - David Mankuta
- Hadassah Hospital Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Hebrew University Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Lior Abramson
- The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Kauko Heikkilä
- Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tessa L Cutler
- The Australian Twin Registry, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - John L Hopper
- The Australian Twin Registry, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jane Wardle
- Health Behaviour Research Centre, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, UK
| | - Clare H Llewellyn
- Health Behaviour Research Centre, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, UK
| | - Abigail Fisher
- Health Behaviour Research Centre, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, UK
| | - Robin P Corley
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Brooke M Huibregtse
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Catherine A Derom
- Centre of Human Genetics, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ghent University Hospitals, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Ruth JF Loos
- The Charles Bronfman Institute for Personalized Medicine, The Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Morten Bjerregaard-Andersen
- Bandim Health Project, INDEPTH Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
- Research Center for Vitamins and Vaccines, Statens Serum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Morten Sodemann
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Adam D Tarnoki
- Department of Radiology and Oncotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Hungarian Twin Registry, Budapest, Hungary
| | - David L Tarnoki
- Department of Radiology and Oncotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Hungarian Twin Registry, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Kelly L Klump
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Juan R Ordoñana
- Department of Human Anatomy and Psychobiology, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Juan F Sánchez-Romera
- IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Lucia Colodro-Conde
- Department of Human Anatomy and Psychobiology, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Lise Dubois
- School of Epidemiology, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michel Boivin
- School of Psycholoy, Laval University, Quebec, Canada
- Institute of Genetic, Neurobiological, and Social Foundations of Child Development, Tomsk State University, Russian Federation
| | - Mara Brendgen
- Departement of Psychology, University of Quebec at Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Frank Vitaro
- School of Psychoeducation, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Jeffrey M Craig
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richard Saffery
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Finn Rasmussen
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per Tynelius
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Danshiitsoodol Narandalai
- Healthy Twin Association of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
- Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Claire MA Haworth
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Robert Plomin
- King’s College London, MRC Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - Fuling Ji
- Department of Noncommunicable Diseases Prevention, Qingdao Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, China
| | - Feng Ning
- Department of Noncommunicable Diseases Prevention, Qingdao Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, China
| | - Zengchang Pang
- Department of Noncommunicable Diseases Prevention, Qingdao Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, China
| | - Esther Rebato
- Department of Genetics, Physical Anthropology and Animal Physiology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Robert F Krueger
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Matt McGue
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Shandell Pahlen
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Dorret I Boomsma
- Department of Biological Psychology, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thorkild IA Sørensen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Basic Metabolic Research (Section on Metabolic Genetics), and Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology (formely Institute of Preventive Medicine), Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospitals, Copenhagen, The Capital Region, Denmark
| | - Jaakko Kaprio
- Department of Social Research, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Obesity Research Unit, Research Programs Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland and Abdominal Center, Endocrinology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
- Institute for Molecular Medicine FIMM, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Karri Silventoinen
- Department of Social Research, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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7
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Associations Between Fetal Growth and Self-Perceived Health Throughout Adulthood: A Co-twin Control Study. Behav Genet 2016; 46:457-66. [PMID: 26725048 DOI: 10.1007/s10519-015-9776-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The literature shows evidence for long-lasting effects of low birth weight (LBW) on many health outcomes, but little is known about effects on self-perceived health. Findings are mixed and studies are small, mostly focusing on LBW effects on health outcomes before adulthood. Further, as LBW and most health conditions including self-perceived health are partly heritable, associations between birth weight (BW) and adverse health outcomes may also be due to shared genetic as well as other (pre- and postnatal) unmeasured environmental influences. We explored LBW effects on self-perceived health in early and later adulthood using a very large and genetically informative sample of more than 50,000 Swedish twins. In addition, analyses within twin pairs (the co-twin control design) were used to examine potential associations between BW and the offspring's risk for poor self-perceived health independent of shared environmental or genetic factors, evidence which is critical for the understanding of underlying mechanisms. Results showed that lower BW was significantly associated with poorer self-perceived health during adulthood, although the effect size was small. Co-twin control analyses suggested that this increased risk may be due to shared underlying liability (environmental or genetic) rather than a direct effect of BW, but findings were not conclusive.
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8
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Li Z, McKeague IW, Lumey LH. Optimal design strategies for sibling studies with binary exposures. Int J Biostat 2015; 10:185-96. [PMID: 25153242 DOI: 10.1515/ijb-2014-0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Sibling studies have become increasingly popular because they provide better control over confounding by unmeasured family-level risk factors than can be obtained in standard cohort studies. However, little attention has been devoted to the development of efficient design strategies for sibling studies in terms of optimizing power. We here address this issue in commonly encountered types of sibling studies, allowing for continuous and binary outcomes and varying numbers of exposed and unexposed siblings. For continuous outcomes, we show that in families with sibling pairs, optimal study power is obtained by recruiting discordant (exposed-control) pairs of siblings. More generally, balancing the exposure status within each family as evenly as possible is shown to be optimal. For binary outcomes, we elucidate how the optimal strategy depends on the variation of the binary response; as the within-family correlation increases, the optimal strategy tends toward only recruiting discordant sibling pairs (as in the case of continuous outcomes). R code for obtaining the optimal strategies is included.
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Dai J, Mukamal KJ, Krasnow RE, Swan GE, Reed T. Higher usual alcohol consumption was associated with a lower 41-y mortality risk from coronary artery disease in men independent of genetic and common environmental factors: the prospective NHLBI Twin Study. Am J Clin Nutr 2015; 102:31-9. [PMID: 25948664 PMCID: PMC4480668 DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.114.106435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2014] [Accepted: 03/27/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence that alcohol consumption is inversely associated with long-term coronary artery disease (CAD) mortality independent of genetic and early life environmental factors is lacking. OBJECTIVE We evaluated whether alcohol consumption was prospectively associated with CAD mortality risk independent of familial factors. DESIGN In total, 843 male twins (396 pairs and 51 unpaired twins) aged 42-55 y (mean: 48 y) without baseline CAD reported beer, wine, and spirits consumption at baseline (1969-1973) and were followed up to 2010 in the prospective National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Twin Study. Data on usual alcohol consumption over the past year were collected. Outcome was time to event, where the primary event was death from CAD and secondary events were death from cardiovascular disease and all causes. HRs were estimated by using frailty survival models, both overall and within-pair. RESULTS There were 129 CAD deaths and 219 cardiovascular deaths during 41 y of follow-up. In the whole cohort, after adjustment for caloric intake and cardiovascular disease risk factors, overall HRs per 10-g increment in alcohol intake were 0.94 (95% CI: 0.89, 0.98) for CAD and 0.97 (95% CI: 0.93, 1.00) for cardiovascular mortality. The within-pair adjusted HRs for a twin with 10-g higher daily alcohol consumption than his co-twin were 0.90 (95% CI: 0.84, 0.97) for CAD and 0.95 (95% CI: 0.90, 1.00) for cardiovascular disease mortality in the cohort pooled by zygosity, which remained similar among monozygotic twins. All 3 beverage types tended to be associated with lower CAD mortality risk within-pair to a similar degree. Alcohol consumption was not associated with total mortality risk overall or within-pair. CONCLUSION Higher usual alcohol consumption is associated with lower CAD mortality risk, independent of germline and early life environment and adulthood experience shared among twins, supporting a possible causal role of alcohol consumption in lowering CAD death risk. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00005124.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Dai
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt Center for Translational and Clinical Cardiovascular Research, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee;
| | - Kenneth J Mukamal
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Ruth E Krasnow
- Center for Health Sciences, Biosciences Division, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA
| | - Gary E Swan
- Stanford Prevention Research Center, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA; and
| | - Terry Reed
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
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10
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Tapp RJ, Ness A, Williams C, Howe LD, Tilling K, Witt N, Chaturvedi N, McG Thom SA, Hughes AD. Differential Effects of Adiposity and Childhood Growth Trajectories on Retinal Microvascular Architecture. Microcirculation 2013; 20:609-16. [DOI: 10.1111/micc.12060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2012] [Accepted: 03/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew Ness
- School of Oral and Dental Sciences; University of Bristol; Bristol; UK
| | - Cathy Williams
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health; University of Bristol; Bristol; UK
| | | | - Kate Tilling
- School of Social and Community Medicine; University of Bristol; Bristol; UK
| | - Nicholas Witt
- International Centre for Circulatory Health; NHLI; St Mary's Hospital & Imperial College London; London; UK
| | - Nish Chaturvedi
- International Centre for Circulatory Health; NHLI; St Mary's Hospital & Imperial College London; London; UK
| | - Simon A. McG Thom
- International Centre for Circulatory Health; NHLI; St Mary's Hospital & Imperial College London; London; UK
| | - Alun D. Hughes
- International Centre for Circulatory Health; NHLI; St Mary's Hospital & Imperial College London; London; UK
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11
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Tedner SG, Örtqvist AK, Almqvist C. Fetal growth and risk of childhood asthma and allergic disease. Clin Exp Allergy 2013; 42:1430-47. [PMID: 22994341 PMCID: PMC3564398 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2012.03997.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Early genetic and environmental factors have been discussed as potential causes for the high prevalence of asthma and allergic disease in the western world, and knowledge on fetal growth and its consequence on future health and disease development is emerging. Objective This review article is an attempt to summarize research on fetal growth and risk of asthma and allergic disease. Current knowledge and novel findings will be reviewed and open research questions identified, to give basic scientists, immunologists and clinicians an overview of an emerging research field. Methods PubMed-search on pre-defined terms and cross-references. Results Several studies have shown a correlation between low birth weight and/or gestational age and asthma and high birth weight and/or gestational age and atopy. The exact mechanism is not yet clear but both environmental and genetic factors seem to contribute to fetal growth. Some of these factors are confounders that can be adjusted for, and twin studies have been very helpful in this context. Suggested mechanisms behind fetal growth are often linked to the feto-maternal circulation, including the development of placenta and umbilical cord. However, the causal link between fetal growth restriction and subsequent asthma and allergic disease remains unexplained. New research regarding the catch-up growth following growth restriction has posited an alternative theory that diseases later on in life result from rapid catch-up growth rather than intrauterine growth restriction per se. Several studies have found a correlation between a rapid weight gain after birth and development of asthma or wheezing in childhood. Conclusion and clinical relevance Asthma and allergic disease are multifactorial. Several mechanisms seem to influence their development. Additional studies are needed before we fully understand the causal links between fetal growth and development of asthma and allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- S G Tedner
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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12
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Gordon L, Joo JE, Powell JE, Ollikainen M, Novakovic B, Li X, Andronikos R, Cruickshank MN, Conneely KN, Smith AK, Alisch RS, Morley R, Visscher PM, Craig JM, Saffery R. Neonatal DNA methylation profile in human twins is specified by a complex interplay between intrauterine environmental and genetic factors, subject to tissue-specific influence. Genome Res 2012; 22:1395-406. [PMID: 22800725 PMCID: PMC3409253 DOI: 10.1101/gr.136598.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Comparison between groups of monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins enables an estimation of the relative contribution of genetic and shared and nonshared environmental factors to phenotypic variability. Using DNA methylation profiling of ∼20,000 CpG sites as a phenotype, we have examined discordance levels in three neonatal tissues from 22 MZ and 12 DZ twin pairs. MZ twins exhibit a wide range of within-pair differences at birth, but show discordance levels generally lower than DZ pairs. Within-pair methylation discordance was lowest in CpG islands in all twins and increased as a function of distance from islands. Variance component decomposition analysis of DNA methylation in MZ and DZ pairs revealed a low mean heritability across all tissues, although a wide range of heritabilities was detected for specific genomic CpG sites. The largest component of variation was attributed to the combined effects of nonshared intrauterine environment and stochastic factors. Regression analysis of methylation on birth weight revealed a general association between methylation of genes involved in metabolism and biosynthesis, providing further support for epigenetic change in the previously described link between low birth weight and increasing risk for cardiovascular, metabolic, and other complex diseases. Finally, comparison of our data with that of several older twins revealed little evidence for genome-wide epigenetic drift with increasing age. This is the first study to analyze DNA methylation on a genome scale in twins at birth, further highlighting the importance of the intrauterine environment on shaping the neonatal epigenome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavinia Gordon
- Bioinformatics Unit, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
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Dirani M, Chamberlain M, Garoufalis P, Chen C, Guymer RH, Baird PN. Refractive Errors in Twin Studies. Twin Res Hum Genet 2012. [DOI: 10.1375/twin.9.4.566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
AbstractIt is estimated that 1.6 billion people worldwide have myopia, a refractive error, and this number is expected to increase to approximately 2.5 billion by the year 2020. It is now well established that both the environment and genetics play a role in the development of myopia. However, the exact contribution of each of these components to myopia development has yet to be completely determined. Twin studies (classical twin model) are commonly used to determine the weighting of genetic and environmental components in disease. Over the last century, twin studies have investigated the heritability of refractive errors in different sample populations and have collectively supported a genetic basis to refractive errors. However, different sample populations and methods of data collection have produced a wide range of heritability estimates ranging from .5 to .9. This article will review those twin studies that have investigated refractive error, particularly myopia, as well as biometric measures linked to refractive error, to compare heritability estimates and methodology designs.
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Abstract
It is now well established that IUGR is associated with an increased risk of a range of adult onset diseases, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Infants from twin pregnancies are generally born smaller than singletons; therefore, it has been suggested that twins represent a naturally occurring model of IUGR. Although twin gestations contribute significantly to the population burden of preterm birth and small size at birth, whether twins have the same long-term health consequences as IUGR singletons remains unclear. The purpose of this review is to consider what is currently known about the clinical implications of twinning, the differences that exist between the growth and developmental profiles of singleton and twin fetuses, and to use this as a basis for exploring the question of whether fetuses conceived as twins are analogous to IUGR singletons of similar birthweight and gestation. This question is increasingly important in both the clinical and research settings, because the incidence of twinning is increasing and the long-term implications of reduced size at birth are mostly investigated in species which bear multiple offspring.
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Ooki S. [Life course genetic epidemiologic study based on longitudinal twin-family data: a new perspective]. Nihon Eiseigaku Zasshi 2011; 66:31-38. [PMID: 21358130 DOI: 10.1265/jjh.66.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Family-based life course epidemiology is the approach to clarify long-term effects of accumulations and chains of biological and social risk exposures in one's life trajectory, namely, before and during conception, infancy, childhood, young adulthood and later adult life. Both genetic and environmental factors are considered. One of the theoretical rationales is the 'developmental origin of health and disease (DOHaD)' hypothesis. According to this theory, the causes of adult diseases are attributed to predictive adaptive responses and biological programming or epigenetic changes during a critical period of early life. If the environment later in life after birth is different from what is predicted, a mismatch has happened, leading to the development of a disease. This theory is supported by many epidemiologic studies, animal experiments, and evolution theory of biology. Longitudinal twin-family data are very powerful and useful information in the family-based life course genetic epidemiologic study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syuichi Ooki
- Department of Health Science, Ishikawa Prefectural Nursing University, Japan.
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16
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Associations of birth weight with ocular biometry, refraction, and glaucomatous endophenotypes: the Australian Twins Eye Study. Am J Ophthalmol 2010; 150:909-16. [PMID: 20970773 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2010.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2010] [Revised: 06/18/2010] [Accepted: 06/19/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the relationship of birth weight with ocular measures in a Caucasian twin population. DESIGN Cross-sectional study of 1498 twins (308 monozygotic and 441 dizygotic pairs) aged between 5 to 80 years participating in the Australian Twins Eye Study. METHODS All participants underwent ophthalmic examination including bilateral cycloplegic autorefraction, keratometry, interpupillary distance (IPD), central corneal thickness, intraocular pressure (IOP), and retinal photography. Birth weight and gestation were obtained from a self-administered questionnaire. A subset of the twins also participated in the Tasmanian Infant Health Study (288) and the Childhood Blood Pressure Study (184), which collected data on birth parameters allowing for verification of data. Linear mixed models were used for the main analysis. RESULTS Both the within-pair (β(w) 0.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.15, 0.38 mm per kg increase in birth weight, P < .001) and between-pair associations (β(B) 0.22, 95% CI 0.08, 0.35, P = .002) of birth weight with axial length were significant and of similar magnitude (difference in effect, P = .56), after adjusting for relevant confounders. In contrast, birth weight was negatively associated with corneal curvature (β(w) -0.82, 95% CI -1.09, -0.55 diopters per kg increase; β(B) -0.69, 95% CI -0.98, -0.41, both P < .001). These associations remained significant within dizygotic and monozygotic pairs. Refraction, anterior chamber depth, IPD, IOP, and optic disc parameters are unrelated to birth weight. CONCLUSIONS Consistent with previous studies in singleton children, lower birth weight is associated with shorter axial length and more curved corneas in this twin study. This also adds new insights into the emmetropization process.
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The NS, Adair LS, Gordon-Larsen P. A study of the birth weight-obesity relation using a longitudinal cohort and sibling and twin pairs. Am J Epidemiol 2010; 172:549-57. [PMID: 20688900 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwq169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sibling and twin study designs provide control for confounding factors that are typically unmeasured in traditional cohort studies. Using nationally representative data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health collected at 3 visits during 1994-2002, the authors evaluated the longitudinal association between birth weight and later obesity in a traditional cohort study (n = 13,763; ages 11-21 years at baseline), controlling for sex, age, race/ethnicity, and parental education. Among persons with a nonobese mother, high birth weight (>4 kg) participants were more likely than normal birth weight (>/=2.5-</=4 kg) participants to become obese later in life (incidence rate ratio = 1.46, 95% confidence interval: 1.28, 1.67). In a matched sibling pair sample (full siblings: n = 513; monozygotic twins: n = 207; dizygotic twins: n = 189), the authors examined longitudinal within-pair differences. Birth weight difference was positively associated with body mass index difference later in life for female monozygotic pairs only (beta = 2.67, 95% confidence interval: 0.99, 4.35). Given the null associations observed in the sibling sample, the commonly observed positive association between birth weight and later obesity from cohort analyses may be attributed to confounding by maternal characteristics. Further research is needed to identify specific factors that contribute to the birth weight-obesity relation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie S The
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27516-3997, USA
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18
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Kajantie E, Räikkönen K. Early life predictors of the physiological stress response later in life. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2010; 35:23-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2009.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2009] [Revised: 10/26/2009] [Accepted: 11/14/2009] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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19
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Ortqvist AK, Lundholm C, Carlström E, Lichtenstein P, Cnattingius S, Almqvist C. Familial factors do not confound the association between birth weight and childhood asthma. Pediatrics 2009; 124:e737-43. [PMID: 19786434 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2009-0305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Studies have found associations between low birth weight and asthma. However, this association could be due to familial confounding. Our objective was to investigate whether fetal growth and birth weight affect the risk of asthma in childhood, controlling for gestational age (GA), and shared (familial) environment and genetic factors. PATIENT AND METHODS Information on asthma, zygosity, birth characteristics, and potential confounders was collected for all 9- and 12-year-old twins through the Swedish Twin Register and Medical Birth Register. To obtain an overall effect of birth weight on risk of asthma, we performed cohort analyses on all twins (N = 10918). To address genetic and shared environmental confounding, we performed a co-twin control analysis by using the 157 monozygotic and 289 dizygotic same-sex twin pairs who were discordant for asthma. RESULTS The overall rate of asthma ever was 13.7%. In the cohort analysis, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for asthma in relation to a 1000-g decrease in birth weight was 1.57 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.38-1.79), and for each reduced gestational week the OR was 1.10 (95% CI: 1.07-1.13). In the co-twin control analyses, a 1000-g decrease in birth weight corresponded to an OR of 1.25 (95% CI: 0.74-2.10) for dizygotic same-sex twins and 2.42 (95% CI: 1.00-5.88) for monozygotic twins. CONCLUSIONS There is an association between fetal growth and childhood asthma that is independent of GA and shared (familial) environment and genetic factors, which indicates that fetal growth restriction affects lung development, supporting additional studies on the early metabolic and physiologic mechanisms of childhood asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Kristina Ortqvist
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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20
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Brix TH, Hansen PS, Kyvik KO, Hegedüs L. Preliminary evidence of a noncausal association between the X-chromosome inactivation pattern and thyroid autoimmunity: a twin study. Eur J Hum Genet 2009; 18:254-7. [PMID: 19789576 DOI: 10.1038/ejhg.2009.156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
An increased frequency of skewed X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) is found in clinically overt autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) compared with controls. Whether skewed XCI is involved in the pathogenesis of autoantibodies to thyroid peroxidase (TPOAb) in euthyroid subjects is unknown. To examine the impact of XCI on the serum concentration of TPOAb, we studied whether within-cohort and within-twin-pair differences in XCI are associated with differences in serum concentrations of TPOAb. A total of 318 euthyroid female twin individuals distributed in 159 pairs were investigated. XCI was determined by PCR analysis of a polymorphic CAG repeat in the first exon of the androgen receptor gene. TPOAb concentrations were measured using a solid-phase time-resolved fluoroimmunometric assay. Overall (within cohort), there was a significant association between XCI and serum concentrations of TPOAb; regression coefficient (beta)=1.45 (95% confidence interval, 0.52-2.38), P=0.003. The association remained significant in the within-pair analysis; beta=1.74 (0.79-2.69), P<0.001. The relationship was nonsignificant within the 82 monozygotic pairs (beta=0.57 (-0.78-1.92), P=0.405), whereas the association was significant in the 77 dizygotic pairs (beta=2.17 (0.81-3.53), P=0.002). This preliminary finding of a significant association between TPOAb concentrations and XCI within cohort and within dizygotic but not within monozygotic twin pairs may indicate that XCI per se does not have a major role in the pathogenesis of TPOAb. More likely, XCI and TPOAb are influenced by shared genetic determinants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Heiberg Brix
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
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21
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Do Alterations in Placental 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase (11βHSD) Activities Explain Differences in Fetal Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Function Following Periconceptional Undernutrition or Twinning in Sheep? Reprod Sci 2009; 16:1201-12. [DOI: 10.1177/1933719109345162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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22
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Jayaram PM, Khan KS. A review of methodological quality of systematic reviews on multiple pregnancies. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2009; 26:731-5. [PMID: 17130017 DOI: 10.1080/01443610600955735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
We set out to determine the quality of existing systematic reviews on multiple pregnancies. We conducted an electronic search in MEDLINE (1951 - 2005), EMBASE (1974 - 2005) and the Cochrane Database for Systematic reviews (2005:2) and a hand-search of reference lists without any language restrictions to identify relevant reviews. Two reviewers independently selected review articles in which a publicly available database was searched for studies concerning multiple pregnancies, and assessed them for quality of methods of review. Information was extracted on framing of question, literature search and data synthesis. Of 342 citations 14 (4%) eligible reviews were identified. Only 8/14 reviews specified the review question. Adequate literature search without language restriction and the use of a reference list was found in 7/14 reviews, but the risk of missing studies was assessed in only 1/14 reviews. Quality assessment of included studies was reported in 7/14 and tabulation of their findings was reported in 8/14 reviews, but heterogeneity of results was evaluated in only 4/14 reviews. Meta-analysis was employed in 3/14 reviews. Systematic reviews of existing studies on multiple pregnancies are infrequent and it is difficult to generate robust inferences from them as they lack good methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- P M Jayaram
- University of Birmingham, Birmingham Women's Hospital, Birmingham, UK
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23
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Bakker R, Rifas-Shiman SL, Kleinman KP, Lipshultz SE, Gillman MW. Maternal calcium intake during pregnancy and blood pressure in the offspring at age 3 years: a follow-up analysis of the Project Viva cohort. Am J Epidemiol 2008; 168:1374-80. [PMID: 18945693 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwn258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A previous analysis of the Project Viva cohort (eastern Massachusetts, 1999-2002 recruitment) found an association between higher second-trimester supplemental maternal calcium intake and lower systolic blood pressure in offspring at 6 months. The authors analyzed 5,527 systolic blood pressure measurements from 1,173 mother-child pairs from this same cohort when the children were aged 3 years. They estimated the change in offspring blood pressure for a 500-mg difference in maternal total, dietary-only, and supplemental-only calcium intake during the first 2 trimesters of pregnancy. Mean daily total calcium intake was 1,311 mg (standard deviation, 421) in the first trimester and 1,440 mg (standard deviation, 386) in the second trimester. Mean systolic blood pressure of the offspring at age 3 years was 92.1 mm Hg (standard deviation, 10.3). None of the maternal calcium intake measures during the first and second trimesters was associated with systolic blood pressure in the offspring. For example, for each 500-mg increment in maternal total elemental calcium intake in the second trimester, child's 3-year systolic blood pressure was 0.1 mm Hg lower (95% confidence interval: -0.9, 0.6). Maternal calcium intake during pregnancy was not associated with offspring blood pressure at the age of 3 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Bakker
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Bergvall N, Cnattingius S. Familial (shared environmental and genetic) factors and the foetal origins of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes: a review of the literature. J Intern Med 2008; 264:205-23. [PMID: 18452519 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2796.2008.01974.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Several researchers have argued that observed associations between birth weight and cardiovascular diseases, and type 2 diabetes, may be confounded by familial (shared environmental and genetic) factors. However, most studies have found that shared environmental factors, including socio-economic factors, do not influence the foetal origins of adult diseases. Results from two twin studies suggest that genetic factors may be of importance for the association between birth weight and risks of coronary heart disease, but findings from intergenerational studies are not consistent with genetic confounding. More studies have assessed the importance of genetic factors with respect to risk factors of coronary heart, including raised blood pressure and lipid levels. Recent findings suggest that the association between birth weight and hypertension is independent of genetic factors. In contrast, recent twin and intergenerational studies favour the hypothesis that the association between birth weight and risk of type 2 diabetes is confounded by genetic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Bergvall
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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25
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Linet MS, Schubauer-Berigan MK, Weisenburger DD, Richardson DB, Landgren O, Blair A, Silver S, Field RW, Caldwell G, Hatch M, Dores GM. Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: an overview of aetiology in light of recent developments in classification and pathogenesis. Br J Haematol 2008; 139:672-86. [PMID: 18021081 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2007.06847.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
This overview of the epidemiology of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) summarizes the evolution of classification and coding systems and describes the intersection of pathogenesis and aetiology. The role of the putative precursor to CLL, monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL), is considered, and ideas for future investigations of the MBL-CLL relationship are outlined. We discuss the epidemiology of CLL, focusing on descriptive patterns and methodological considerations. Postulated risk factors are reviewed including the role of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, occupational and environmental chemical exposures, medical conditions and treatments, and lifestyle and genetic factors. We conclude by raising key questions that need to be addressed to advance our understanding of CLL aetiology. Recommendations for future epidemiological studies are given, including the standardization of reporting of CLL across cancer registries, the clarification of the natural history of MBL, and the circumvention of the methodological shortcomings of prior epidemiological investigations in relation to radiation, chemical exposures and infectious agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha S Linet
- DCEG/Radiation Epidemiology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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26
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Valer Carstea B, Catunda Lemos AP, Ilie ED, Varga L, Bodó S, Kovács A, Bösze Z, Gócza E. Production of identical mouse twins and a triplet with predicted gender. CLONING AND STEM CELLS 2007; 9:247-56. [PMID: 17579557 DOI: 10.1089/clo.2006.0055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to develop a method to generate identical twins and triplets with predicted gender. As a first step toward that aim, single blastomeres obtained from EGFP expressing eight-cell stage embryos and either diploid or tetraploid host embryos were used to compose chimera. We could follow the fate of EGFP expressing diploid blastomere derived cells in 3.5- and 4.5-day-old chimera embryos in vitro. We found that the diploid blastomere-derived cells had significantly higher chance to contribute to the inner cell mass if tetraploid host embryos were applied. After that, we developed a quick and reliable multiplex PCR strategy for sex diagnosis from single blastomeres by simultaneous amplification of the homologous ZFX and ZFY genes. By composed chimeras using single blastomeres, derived from sexed eight-cell stage embryos and a tetraploid host embryo, we could get preplanned sex newborns, wholly derived from these blastomeres. Among these mice, identical twins and a triplet were identified by microsatellite analysis. Unlike clones produced by nuclear transfer, these mice are identical at both the nuclear as well as mitochondrial DNA level. Therefore, the tetraploid embryo complementation method to produce monozygotic twins and triplets could be a valuable tool both in biomedical and agricultural applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan Valer Carstea
- In vivo Gene Expression and Regulation Group, Agricultural Biotechnology Center, Gödöllö, Hungary
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27
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Gurrin LC, Carlin JB, Sterne JAC, Dite GS, Hopper JL. Using bivariate models to understand between- and within-cluster regression coefficients, with application to twin data. Biometrics 2007; 62:745-51. [PMID: 16984316 DOI: 10.1111/j.1541-0420.2006.00561.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In the regression analysis of clustered data it is important to allow for the possibility of distinct between- and within-cluster exposure effects on the outcome measure, represented, respectively, by regression coefficients for the cluster mean and the deviation of the individual-level exposure value from this mean. In twin data, the within-pair regression effect represents association conditional on exposures shared within pairs, including any common genetic or environmental influences on the outcome measure. It has therefore been proposed that a comparison of the within-pair regression effects between monozygous (MZ) and dizygous (DZ) twins can be used to examine whether the association between exposure and outcome has a genetic origin. We address this issue by proposing a bivariate model for exposure and outcome measurements in twin-pair data. The between- and within-pair regression coefficients are shown to be weighted averages of ratios of the exposure and outcome variances and covariances, from which it is straightforward to determine the conditions under which the within-pair regression effect in MZ pairs will be different from that in DZ pairs. In particular, we show that a correlation structure in twin pairs for exposure and outcome that appears to be due to genetic factors will not necessarily be reflected in distinct MZ and DZ values for the within-pair regression coefficients. We illustrate these results in a study of female twin pairs from Australia and North America relating mammographic breast density to weight and body mass index.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyle C Gurrin
- Centre for Molecular, Environmental, Genetic and Analytic Epidemiology, School of Population Health, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria 3053, Australia.
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28
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Abstract
The term 'fetal origins of adult disease' was coined on the basis of the inverse association between low birth weight and blood pressure, adult-onset diabetes, coronary heart disease, and stroke seen in numerous epidemiological studies. However, it seems unlikely that birth weight is involved in causal pathways underlying these observations, and if it were then the significance to public health of these findings is very limited because of our inability to modify birth weight to a relevant extent in humans. There has been a major focus on maternal nutrition. Despite evidence that experimental manipulation of maternal nutrition in animals influences offspring birth weight and programme measures related to cardiovascular disease, human studies in general provide limited and unconvincing evidence that differences in maternal macronutrient intake are important. Nevertheless there is a need to understand the underlying causal pathways, and the utility of studies of twins and possible mechanisms are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Morley
- Department of Paediatrics and Murdoch Children's Research Institute, University of Melbourne, Flemington Road, Parkville, Victoria 3070, Australia.
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