RESEARCH - Experts identify genes linked to chronic diseases

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Experts identify genes linked to chronic diseases

Last Updated: 2009-04-27 10:37:23 -0400 (Reuters Health)

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Researchers in South Korea have identified genes

that are linked to key indicators such as blood pressure and bone

density that have a bearing on chronic diseases such as hypertension

(high blood pressure) and the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis.

In an article published in Nature Genetics, the scientists said they

studied the DNA of nearly 9,000 people in South Korea and were able to

identify genes that controlled indicators such as blood pressure, bone

density, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, height and pulse rate.

" We found some genes affecting systolic blood pressure, bone density

etc, " Hyung-Lae Kim of the National Institute of Health in Seoul,

South Korea, told Reuters by telephone.

These bodily measurements affect key chronic diseases including

diabetes, hypertension, obesity and osteoporosis that are becoming

massive problems in many countries.

And knowing which genes are involved can potentially open the way for

better prevention, management and control of these conditions in the

future.

Such genetic studies have been carried out in Caucasian populations,

but less so among Asians.

" The study also found new gene variants that either confer health

risks specific to Asian ancestry or which show greater effects in

combination with environmental factors prevalent in Asia, " the

researchers said in a statement

http://www.reutershealth.com/archive/2009/04/27/eline/links/20090427elin011.html

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