ARS | Publication request: Gene-environment interactions and the impact on obesity and lipid profile phenotypes

Submitted to: Clinical Lipidology
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: October 28, 2009
Publication Date: December 4, 2009
Citation: Parnell, L.D. 2009. Gene-environment interactions and the impact on obesity and lipid profile phenotypes. Clinical Lipidology. 4:104-107.

Technical Abstract: Sequencing the human genome provided the data, human intellectual capital and technology, particularly in terms of infrastructure and methodologies, to begin discovering genes involved in a wide range of human diseases and afflictions. This has led to a resurgence in genetics with the advent of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to identify those genetic variants which associate with the disease state or related phenotypes. Such variants become markers of risk or pointers to therapeutic targets. Obesity and dyslipidemia, while not lacking in attention from such genetic studies, really represent complex metabolic conditions that are strongly influenced by diet and other environmental factors. On a global scale, chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other metabolic disorders have progressed rapidly, particularly in developing countries, implying environmental influence for these diseases.