[The human genome project as a scientific background of preventive medicine]

Conspicuous achievements in the Human Genome Project have already found spectacular implementation in both basic research and practice. The Human Genome Diversity, Functional Genomics, and numerous Social Programmes are under way and they are rapidly expanding the scientific area induced by the Human Genome Project. Its practical implication is mainly confined to molecular medicine and to its quickly growing area Predictive (Preventive) Medicine. The paper briefly considers the existing concepts of molecular genetic tests of "predisposition" genes, including such groups as "environmental" genes and "trigger"-genes to detect subjects highly susceptible to different common multifactorial diseases and the expediency for testing the genes whose mutations cause diseases showing their manifestations at the late stage. Evidence is provided for that there is a progressive increase in population, family, and personal predisposition gene DNA databanks. There is need for close interaction between researchers and all strata of society, including the clergy, governments, political parties, etc. in order to optimize perception of scientific achievements of modern genetics and their effective used for the welfare of mankind.