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Possible genetic consequences of relaxed selection against common disorders with complex inheritance
Human Genetics
|January 28, 1976
Summary
Successful medical treatments for complex genetic disorders may increase their prevalence. The largest increase in disease frequency occurs in the first generation after treatment, with smaller increases in subsequent generations.
Area of Science:
- Medical genetics
- Population genetics
- Reproductive medicine
Background:
- Medical advancements are improving treatment for complex genetic disorders.
- Increased treatment success may lead to a rise in the incidence of these disorders over generations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the pattern of increased disorder frequency due to successful treatment and cure.
- To project the impact of improved fertility in affected individuals on disease prevalence in future generations.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical examination of disease frequency patterns.
- Modeling the generational impact of complete cure and restored fertility.
Main Results:
- The maximum increase in disorder frequency is observed in the first generation.
- Subsequent generations show diminishing increments in disease frequency.
- Complete restoration of fertility for congenital heart disease patients could increase birth frequency by ~10% in 5-10 generations.
Conclusions:
- While treatments improve, the immediate generational impact on disease frequency is significant but decreases over time.
- Population-level interventions must consider these generational dynamics for genetic disorders.