The association between VSX1 exon3 gene variants and keratoconus in Malaysian patients

Purpose: This case-control study aims to examine possible associations of VSX1 exon3 gene variants with the development of keratoconus (KC) in Malaysian patients. Methods: A case-control study was done on 42 keratoconus cases, 127 family member controls, and 96 normal controls. Results: Three gene variants, p.A182A, p.P237P, and p.R217H showed significant associations with keratoconus (P < 0.05). While p.A182A and p.P227P were more prevalent than in the family and normal controls (OR 3.14–4.05), the reverse was observed with p.R217H (OR 0.086–1.59). With Haploview analysis, p.A182A and p.P237P were shown to be in linkage disequilibrium (LD) (LOD (logarithm of the odds score) score of 2.0, r2 of 0.957, and 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.96–1.00). Conclusion: The study results suggest that the p.A182A and p.P237P variants could have contributed to the development of keratoconus in some Malaysians and that these two variants are likely to be co?inherited. In contrast, the p.R217H variant appeared to confer some protection against the development of keratoconus.

Association of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway autophagy-related gene polymorphisms with pulmonary tuberculosis susceptibility in a Chinese population

ABSTRACT Background: Autophagy can inhibit the survival of intracellular microorganisms including Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway plays a crucial role. This study investigated the association between PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway autophagy-related gene polymorphisms and pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) susceptibility. Methods: KEGG pathway and gene ontology (GO) databases were searched for genes belonging to the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and autophagy pathways. Thirty SNPs in nine genes were identified and tested for their associations with tuberculosis in 130 patients with PTB and 271 controls. We constructed genetic risk scores (GRSs) and divided the participants into 3 subgroups based on their GRSs:0-5, 6-10, and 11-16. Results: This analysis revealed that the AKT1 (rs12432802), RPTOR (rs11654508, rs12602885, rs2090204, rs2589144, and rs2672897), and TSC2 (rs2074969) polymorphisms were significantly associated with PTB risk. A decreasing trend was observed (P trend 0.020), in which a lower GRS was associated with a higher risk of PTB ([6-10] vs. [0-5]: OR (95%CI) 0.590 (0.374-0.931); [11-16] vs. [0-5]: OR (95%CI) 0.381 (0.160-0.906)). Conclusions: Polymorphisms in AKT1, RPTOR, and TSC2 may influence susceptibility to PTB.

Machine learning modeling identifies hypertrophic cardiomyopathy subtypes with genetic signature / 医学前沿

Previous studies have revealed that patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) exhibit differences in symptom severity and prognosis, indicating potential HCM subtypes among these patients. Here, 793 patients with HCM were recruited at an average follow-up of 32.78 ± 27.58 months to identify potential HCM subtypes by performing consensus clustering on the basis of their echocardiography features. Furthermore, we proposed a systematic method for illustrating the relationship between the phenotype and genotype of each HCM subtype by using machine learning modeling and interactome network detection techniques based on whole-exome sequencing data. Another independent cohort that consisted of 414 patients with HCM was recruited to replicate the findings. Consequently, two subtypes characterized by different clinical outcomes were identified in HCM. Patients with subtype 2 presented asymmetric septal hypertrophy associated with a stable course, while those with subtype 1 displayed left ventricular systolic dysfunction and aggressive progression. Machine learning modeling based on personal whole-exome data identified 46 genes with mutation burden that could accurately predict subtype propensities. Furthermore, the patients in another cohort predicted as subtype 1 by the 46-gene model presented increased left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. By employing echocardiography and genetic screening for the 46 genes, HCM can be classified into two subtypes with distinct clinical outcomes.

Agregación familiar y factores de riesgo de asma bronquial en individuos afectados / Familial aggregation and risk factors for bronchial asthma in affected individuals

Introducción: La agregación familiar del asma se reconoce desde 1 860 a constatarse en varias generaciones de una familia. Objetivo: Determinar la agregación familiar para asma bronquial y los factores de riesgo. Material y Métodos: Se realizó una investigación observacional, analítica, longitudinal, retrospectiva, casos/control a partir de la población perteneciente al área de salud Darío Calzadilla, en Banes, provincia Holguín, durante octubre 2020-marzo 2021. El universo abarcó la totalidad de individuos diagnosticados y sus familias. Por muestreo aleatorio simple, se obtuvo la muestra de 77 casos. Se conformó el grupo control a razón de 3:1, que incluyó 231 individuos sin antecedentes de enfermedad. Fueron aplicados criterios de inclusión/exclusión. Fueron utilizados los estadígrafos: Chi cuadrado, Odd Ratio (OR) e intervalo de confianza. Se estudiaron las variables: edad, grado de consanguinidad y factores de riesgo. Se obtuvo el árbol genealógico. Se cumplieron los requisitos bioéticos. Resultados: Los familiares de primer grado (47 individuos 17 por ciento) y segundo grado (23 individuos 4,3 por ciento) de consanguinidad mostraron la mayor incidencia de la enfermedad. Los grupos de edades 40-49 años (51 individuos, 22,8 por ciento) y 30-39 años (32 individuos, 22,3 por ciento), resultaron los más afectados. Los factores de riesgos mostraron asociación para la enfermedad (X2=111,15 p ≤ 0,001). El hábito de fumar (X2=132,9 OR=6,18 IC95 por ciento (4,49; 8,51)) y los antecedentes familiares de la enfermedad (X2=13,6 OR=1,73 IC95 por ciento (1,29; 2,32)) expresaron asociación altamente significativa. Se demostró agregación familiar para la enfermedad (X2=185,32 OR=9,97 IC95 por ciento (6,7; 14,84)). Conclusiones: El asma bronquial es una enfermedad multifactorial, compleja, poligénica con agregación familiar demostrada(AU)

Introduction: Familial aggregation of asthma has been recognized since 1860 and observed in several generations in one family. Objective: To determine familial aggregation of bronchial asthma as well as its risk factors. Material and Methods: An observational, analytical, longitudinal, and retrospective case-control study was conducted on the population belonging to Darío Calzadilla health area in Banes, Holguín province, from October 2020 to March 2021. The universe consisted of all the individuals diagnosed and their families. A sample composed of 77 cases was obtained by simple random sampling. The control group was formed at a ratio of 3:1, including 231 individuals without previous history of the disease. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. The following stadigraphs were used: Chi-square test, Odds Ratio (OR), and confidence interval. The variables analyzed included age, degree of consanguinity, and risk factors. The family tree was obtained. Bioethical principles were fulfilled. Results: The first-degree relatives (47 individuals; 17 percent) and second-degree (23 individuals; 4,3 percent) of consanguinity showed a higher incidence of the disease. The age group 40-49 years (51 individuals; 22,8 percent) and 30-39 years (32 individuals; 22,3 percent), resulted to be the most affected. The risk factors evidenced an association with the disease (X2=111,15 p≤0,001). The smoking habit (X2=132,9 OR=6,18 95 percent CI (4,49; 8,51)) and family history of the disease (X2=13,6 OR=1,73 95 percent CI (1,29; 2,32)) expressed a highly significant association. Familial aggregation of the disease was demonstrated (X2=185,32 OR=9,97 95 % CI (6,7;14,84)). Conclusions: Bronchial asthma is a complex, multifactorial, polygenic disease with confirmed familial aggregation(AU)

Diabetes gestacional: necesidad del asesoramiento genético preconcepcional en Matanzas / Gestational diabetes: need for preconception genetic counseling in Matanzas

RESUMEN Introducción: muchas gestantes que se atienden en consulta de Genética prenatal provienen de familias con diabetes mellitus y desarrollan diabetes gestacional, por lo que requieren el asesoramiento genético preconcepcional sobre factores de riesgo, que en muchos casos no reciben. Objetivo: identificar los antecedentes familiares de diabetes mellitus en las gestantes que debutan con diabetes gestacional, sin haber tenido asesoramiento genético preconcepcional. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo durante el período 2017 a 2019 en 186 embarazadas diagnosticadas con diabetes gestacional, del municipio Matanzas. Resultados: el 39,7 % de las gestantes con diabetes gestacional pertenecían a familias con diabetes mellitus; el 27,02 % tenía un familiar de primer grado afectado; en el 59,45 % predominó la vía materna de transmisión hereditaria; un 22,58 % presentó defectos congénitos, y el 54,05 % no recibió asesoramiento genético preconcepcional. Conclusiones: no todas las embarazadas con antecedentes familiares de diabetes mellitus recibieron asesoramiento genético preconcepcional, indispensable para minimizar el riesgo de diabetes gestacional (AU).

ABSTRACT Introduction: many pregnant women attended in prenatal genetic consultation come from families with diabetes mellitus and develop gestational diabetes, so they require preconception genetic counseling on risk factors, which they do not receive in many cases. Objective: to identify family antecedents of diabetes mellitus in pregnant women who debut with gestational diabetes, without having received preconceptional genetic counseling. Materials and methods: a retrospective descriptive study was carried out during the period 2017 to 2019 in 186 pregnant women from the municipality of Matanzas, diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Results: 39.7 % of the pregnant with gestational diabetes came from families with diabetes mellitus; 27.02 % of them had an affected first-grade relative; maternal hereditary transmission predominated in 59.45 %; 22.58 % presented congenital defects, and 54.05 % did not received preconceptional genetic counseling. Conclusions: not all the pregnant women with family antecedents of diabetes mellitus received preconceptional genetic counseling, which is essential to minimize the risk of gestational diabetes (AU).

Poroqueratosis de Mibelli / Porokeratosis of Mibelli

Introducción: La Poroqueratosis de Mibelli es una entidad rara en nuestro país, incluida en el grupo de las genodermatosis, por ser un trastorno hereditario de la queratinización. Es de gran interés para varias ramas de la medicina: genética, dermatología, medicina interna entre otras. Caso clínico: Se presenta un caso en una familia portadora de esta enfermedad genética con carácter autosómico dominante, se identificaron 7 miembros afectados en 3 generaciones, sin complicaciones. El propósito fue confirmado a través del estudio histopatológico. Conclusiones: Aunque no es un problema relevante en el municipio y no tiene complicaciones que comprometan la vida de los pacientes, sí pueden verse afectados según la localización de las lesiones, por lo que es de gran importancia el asesoramiento genético a los miembros de la familia para evaluar el riesgo genético, para poder realizar la profilaxis y control de los miembros afectados y su descendencia(AU)

Introduction: Porokeratosis of Mibelli is a rare condition in our country. It is included in the group of genodermatoses, being as it is an inherited keratinization disorder. This skin condition if of great interest to several medical specialties, such as genetics, dermatology, internal medicine, and others. Clinical case: A case is presented of a family carrying this genetic disease of an autosomal dominant nature. Seven affected members were identified in three generations without any complications. The purpose was confirmed via histopathological examination. Conclusions: Although the study condition is not a relevant problem in the municipality and does not have complications threatening the lives of patients, these may be affected depending on the location of the lesions. Therefore, genetic counseling is of great importance, so that family members may evaluate the genetic risk, perform the corresponding prophylactic actions, and control affected members and their offspring(AU)

Lipoprotein(a): An independent, genetic, and causal factor for cardiovascular disease and acute myocardial infarction

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a circulating lipoprotein, and its level is largely determined by variation in the Lp(a) gene (LPA) locus encoding apo(a). Genetic variation in the LPA gene that increases Lp(a) level also increases coronary artery disease (CAD) risk, suggesting that Lp(a) is a causal factor for CAD risk. Lp(a) is the preferential lipoprotein carrier for oxidized phospholipids (OxPL), a proatherogenic and proinflammatory biomarker. Lp(a) adversely affects endothelial function, inflammation, oxidative stress, fibrinolysis, and plaque stability, leading to accelerated atherothrombosis and premature CAD. The INTER-HEART Study has established the usefulness of Lp(a) in assessing the risk of acute myocardial infarction in ethnically diverse populations with South Asians having the highest risk and population attributable risk. The 2018 Cholesterol Clinical Practice Guideline have recognized elevated Lp(a) as an atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk enhancer for initiating or intensifying statin therapy.

Genetic aspects of type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is characterized by autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta-cells in genetically predisposed individuals, eventually resulting in severe insulin deficiency. It is the most common form of diabetes in children and adolescents. Genetic susceptibility plays a crucial role in development of T1DM. The human leukocyte antigen complex plays a key role in the pathogenesis of T1DM. Furthermore, genome-wide association studies and linkage analysis have recently made a significant contribution to current knowledge relative to the impact of genetics on T1DM development and progression. This review focuses on current knowledge of genetics as a pathogenesis for T1DM. It also discusses mechanisms by which genes influence the risk of developing T1DM as well as the clinical and research applications of genetic risk scores in T1DM.

Aspectos clínicos y epidemiológicos en pacientes con cáncer de pulmón en un servicio de neumología / Clinical and epidemiological aspects in patients with lung cancer in a pneumology service

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal de 125 pacientes con cáncer de pulmón, ingresados y diagnosticados en el Servicio de Neumología del Hospital General Docente Dr Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso de Santiago de Cuba, de enero de 2015 a octubre de 2016, con vistas a caracterizarles según variables clínicas y epidemiológicas de interés, además de factores de riesgo genéticos y no genéticos, independientemente de las características histológicas y el estadio clínico del proceso neoplásico. Entre los resultados preponderantes figuraron el sexo masculino y el grupo etario de 51-69 años -- aunque fue evidente el incremento del número de féminas y de pacientes en las edades más jóvenes de la vida --, igualmente la broncoscopia como método diagnóstico, la localización en el pulmón derecho, el adenocarcinoma como variedad histológica, el tabaquismo entre los factor de riesgo no genético y el parentesco de primer grado en los factores genéticos. La mayoría de los afectados presentaban menos de un año de evolución y un elevado porcentaje correspondía al estadio IV de la enfermedad.

A descriptive and cross-sectional study of 125 patients with lung cancer, admitted and diagnosed in the Pneumology Service of Dr Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso Teaching General Hospital in Santiago de Cuba was carried out from January, 2015 to October, 2016, aimed at characterizing them according to clinical and epidemiological variables of interest, besides genetic and non genetic risk factors, independently from the histological characteristics and the clinical stage of the neoplastic process. Among the predominant results there were the male sex and the age group 51-69, although the increment of the females and of patients in the youngest ages in the life was evident --, equally the bronchoscopy as diagnostic method, the localization in the right lung, the adenocarcinoma as histological variety, smoking habit among non genetic risk factors and the first degree relation in the genetic factors. Most of the affected patients presented a clinical course shorter than a year and a high percentage were in the stage IV of the disease.

Machine Learning Models for Genetic Risk Assessment of Infants with Non-syndromic Orofacial Cleft / 基因组蛋白质组与生物信息学报·英文版

The isolated type of orofacial cleft, termed non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P), is the second most common birth defect in China, with Asians having the highest incidence in the world. NSCL/P involves multiple genes and complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors, imposing difficulty for the genetic assessment of the unborn fetus carrying multiple NSCL/P-susceptible variants. Although genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have uncovered dozens of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci in different ethnic populations, the genetic diagnostic effectiveness of these SNPs requires further experimental validation in Chinese populations before a diagnostic panel or a predictive model covering multiple SNPs can be built. In this study, we collected blood samples from control and NSCL/P infants in Han and Uyghur Chinese populations to validate the diagnostic effectiveness of 43 candidate SNPs previously detected using GWAS. We then built predictive models with the validated SNPs using different machine learning algorithms and evaluated their prediction performance. Our results showed that logistic regression had the best performance for risk assessment according to the area under curve. Notably, defective variants in MTHFR and RBP4, two genes involved in folic acid and vitamin A biosynthesis, were found to have high contributions to NSCL/P incidence based on feature importance evaluation with logistic regression. This is consistent with the notion that folic acid and vitamin A are both essential nutritional supplements for pregnant women to reduce the risk of conceiving an NSCL/P baby. Moreover, we observed a lower predictive power in Uyghur than in Han cases, likely due to differences in genetic background between these two ethnic populations. Thus, our study highlights the urgency to generate the HapMap for Uyghur population and perform resequencing-based screening of Uyghur-specific NSCL/P markers.

Progress in next-generation sequencing research of non-syndromic oral clefts / 中华流行病学杂志

Non-syndromic oral clefts (NSOC) are among the most common birth defects.The prevalence of NSOC is 1.13-1.30 per 1 000 live births in China,which is higher than those in other major ethnic groups.The etiology of NSOC is complex and heterogeneous,which involves both genetic and environmental risk factors.Although genome-wide association studies have identified a number of risk loci,these loci can only account for a small proportion of the heritability of NSOC.The next-generation sequencing research provides new ideas for further exploring the genetic risk factors of NSOC.This paper summaries the progress in the next-generation sequencing research of NSOC.

Progress in next-generation sequencing research of non-syndromic oral clefts / 中华流行病学杂志

Non-syndromic oral clefts (NSOC) are among the most common birth defects.The prevalence of NSOC is 1.13-1.30 per 1 000 live births in China,which is higher than those in other major ethnic groups.The etiology of NSOC is complex and heterogeneous,which involves both genetic and environmental risk factors.Although genome-wide association studies have identified a number of risk loci,these loci can only account for a small proportion of the heritability of NSOC.The next-generation sequencing research provides new ideas for further exploring the genetic risk factors of NSOC.This paper summaries the progress in the next-generation sequencing research of NSOC.

An ensemble-based likelihood ratio approach for family-based genomic risk prediction / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

OBJECTIVE@#As one of the most popular designs used in genetic research, family-based design has been well recognized for its advantages, such as robustness against population stratification and admixture. With vast amounts of genetic data collected from family-based studies, there is a great interest in studying the role of genetic markers from the aspect of risk prediction. This study aims to develop a new statistical approach for family-based risk prediction analysis with an improved prediction accuracy compared with existing methods based on family history.@*METHODS@#In this study, we propose an ensemble-based likelihood ratio (ELR) approach, Fam-ELR, for family-based genomic risk prediction. Fam-ELR incorporates a clustered receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve method to consider correlations among family samples, and uses a computationally efficient tree-assembling procedure for variable selection and model building.@*RESULTS@#Through simulations, Fam-ELR shows its robustness in various underlying disease models and pedigree structures, and attains better performance than two existing family-based risk prediction methods. In a real-data application to a family-based genome-wide dataset of conduct disorder, Fam-ELR demonstrates its ability to integrate potential risk predictors and interactions into the model for improved accuracy, especially on a genome-wide level.@*CONCLUSIONS@#By comparing existing approaches, such as genetic risk-score approach, Fam-ELR has the capacity of incorporating genetic variants with small or moderate marginal effects and their interactions into an improved risk prediction model. Therefore, it is a robust and useful approach for high-dimensional family-based risk prediction, especially on complex disease with unknown or less known disease etiology.

Familial fragile X syndrome: A pedigree analysis / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>Objective</b>To investigate the clinical (including reproductive) manifestations and genetic characteristics of familial fragile X syndrome (FXS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We collected the clinical data about a case of familial FXS by inquiry, testicular ultrasonography, semen analysis, determination of sex hormone levels, and examinations of the peripheral blood karyotype and Y chromosome microdeletions. Using Southern blot hybridization, we measured the size of the CGG triple repeat sequence of the fragile X mental retardation-1 (FMR1) gene and determined its mutation type of the pedigree members with a genetic map of the FXS pedigree.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among the 34 members of 4 generations in the pedigree, 3 males and 1 female (11.76%) carried full mutation and 9 females (26.47%) premutation of the FMR1 gene. Two of the males with full FMR1 mutation, including the proband showed a larger testis volume (>30 ml) and a higher sperm concentration (>250 ×10⁶/ml), with a mean sperm motility of 50.5%, a mean morphologically normal sperm rate of 17.5%, an average sperm nuclear DNA fragmentation index (DFI) of 18.5%, a low level of testosterone, normal karyotype in the peripheral blood, and integrity of the azoospermia factor (AZF) region in the Y chromosome. One of the second-generation females carrying FMR1 premutation was diagnosed with premature ovarian failure and another 3 with uterine myoma.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Some of the FXS males in the pedigree may present macroorchidism and polyzoospermia but with normal semen parameters. In the intergenerational transmission, premutation might extend to full mutation, with even higher risks of transmission and extension of mutation in males, especially in those with >80 CGG triple repeat sequences. Therefore, it is recommended that the couples wishing for childbearing receive genetic testing, clinical guidance, and genetic counseling before pregnancy and, if necessary, prenatal diagnosis and preimplantation genetic diagnosis.</p>

A review on the genetic risk factors of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / 中华流行病学杂志

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to a common complex disease characterized by progressive and incomplete reversible airflow limitation.COPD is one of the leading causes on morbidity and mortality in China.Genetic risk factors play important roles on the occurrence of COPD.However,the genetic risk factors of COPD remain unknown,to some extent.The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview on literature concerning the most promising findings related to genetic risk factors of COPD.

A review on the genetic risk factors of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / 中华流行病学杂志

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to a common complex disease characterized by progressive and incomplete reversible airflow limitation.COPD is one of the leading causes on morbidity and mortality in China.Genetic risk factors play important roles on the occurrence of COPD.However,the genetic risk factors of COPD remain unknown,to some extent.The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview on literature concerning the most promising findings related to genetic risk factors of COPD.

Race-specific genetic risk score is more accurate than nonrace-specific genetic risk score for predicting prostate cancer and high-grade diseases / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Genetic risk score (GRS) based on disease risk-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) is an informative tool that can be used to provide inherited information for specific diseases in addition to family history. However, it is still unknown whether only SNPs that are implicated in a specific racial group should be used when calculating GRSs. The objective of this study is to compare the performance of race-specific GRS and nonrace-specific GRS for predicting prostate cancer (PCa) among 1338 patients underwent prostate biopsy in Shanghai, China. A race-specific GRS was calculated with seven PCa risk-associated SNPs implicated in East Asians (GRS7), and a nonrace-specific GRS was calculated based on 76 PCa risk-associated SNPs implicated in at least one racial group (GRS76). The means of GRS7 and GRS76 were 1.19 and 1.85, respectively, in the study population. Higher GRS7 and GRS76 were independent predictors for PCa and high-grade PCa in univariate and multivariate analyses. GRS7 had a better area under the receiver-operating curve (AUC) than GRS76 for discriminating PCa (0.602 vs 0.573) and high-grade PCa (0.603 vs 0.575) but did not reach statistical significance. GRS7 had a better (up to 13% at different cutoffs) positive predictive value (PPV) than GRS76. In conclusion, a race-specific GRS is more robust and has a better performance when predicting PCa in East Asian men than a GRS calculated using SNPs that are not shown to be associated with East Asians.

Population-standardized genetic risk score: The SNP-based method of choice for inherited risk assessment of prostate cancer / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Several different approaches are available to clinicians for determining prostate cancer (PCa) risk. The clinical validity of various PCa risk assessment methods utilizing single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) has been established; however, these SNP-based methods have not been compared. The objective of this study was to compare the three most commonly used SNP-based methods for PCa risk assessment. Participants were men (n = 1654) enrolled in a prospective study of PCa development. Genotypes of 59 PCa risk-associated SNPs were available in this cohort. Three methods of calculating SNP-based genetic risk scores (GRSs) were used for the evaluation of individual disease risk such as risk allele count (GRS-RAC), weighted risk allele count (GRS-wRAC), and population-standardized genetic risk score (GRS-PS). Mean GRSs were calculated, and performances were compared using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and positive predictive value (PPV). All SNP-based methods were found to be independently associated with PCa (all P 0.05 for comparisons between the three methods), and all three SNP-based methods had a significantly higher AUC than family history (all P < 0.05). Results from this study suggest that while the three most commonly used SNP-based methods performed similarly in discriminating PCa from non-PCa at the population level, GRS-PS is the method of choice for risk assessment at the individual level because its value (where 1.0 represents average population risk) can be easily interpreted regardless of the number of risk-associated SNPs used in the calculation.

A comparison of genetic risk score with family history for estimating prostate cancer risk / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Prostate cancer (PCa) testing is recommended by most authoritative groups for high-risk men including those with a family history of the disease. However, family history information is often limited by patient knowledge and clinician intake, and thus, many men are incorrectly assigned to different risk groups. Alternate methods to assess PCa risk are required. In this review, we discuss how genetic variants, referred to as PCa-risk single-nucleotide polymorphisms, can be used to calculate a genetic risk score (GRS). GRS assigns a relatively unique value to all men based on the number of PCa-risk SNPs that an individual carries. This GRS value can provide a more precise estimate of a man's PCa risk. This is particularly relevant in situations when an individual is unaware of his family history. In addition, GRS has utility and can provide a more precise estimate of risk even among men with a positive family history. It can even distinguish risk among relatives with the same degree of family relationships. Taken together, this review serves to provide support for the clinical utility of GRS as an independent test to provide supplemental information to family history. As such, GRS can serve as a platform to help guide-shared decision-making processes regarding the timing and frequency of PCa testing and biopsies.

Clinical validity and utility of genetic risk scores in prostate cancer / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Current issues related to prostate cancer (PCa) clinical care (e.g., over-screening, over-diagnosis, and over-treatment of nonaggressive PCa) call for risk assessment tools that can be combined with family history (FH) to stratify disease risk among men in the general population. Since 2007, genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified more than 100 SNPs associated with PCa susceptibility. In this review, we discuss (1) the validity of these PCa risk-associated SNPs, individually and collectively; (2) the various methods used for measuring the cumulative effect of multiple SNPs, including genetic risk score (GRS); (3) the adequate number of SNPs needed for risk assessment; (4) reclassification of risk based on evolving numbers of SNPs used to calculate genetic risk, (5) risk assessment for men from various racial groups, and (6) the clinical utility of genetic risk assessment. In conclusion, data available to date support the clinical validity of PCa risk-associated SNPs and GRS in risk assessment among men with or without FH. PCa risk-associated SNPs are not intended for diagnostic use; rather, they should be used the same way as FH. Combining GRS and FH can significantly improve the performance of risk assessment. Improved risk assessment may have important clinical utility in targeted PCa testing. However, clinical trials are urgently needed to evaluate this clinical utility as well as the acceptance of GRS by patients and physicians.