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Genetic variation in white matter hyperintensity volume in the Framingham Study
Larry D Atwood1, Philip A Wolf, Nancy L Heard-Costa
1Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, 715 Albany Street, B-609, Boston, Mass 02118, USA. lda@bu.edu
Stroke
|May 15, 2004
Summary
White matter hyperintensity (WMH) heritability is high in generally healthy individuals, with similar genetic influence observed in both men and women. This genetic component of WMH remains significant even in younger, healthier populations, suggesting its role in brain aging.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Gerontology
Background:
- Previous studies indicated high heritability for white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume in elderly male twins.
- WMH are markers of small vessel cerebrovascular disease and aging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the heritability of WMH in a family-based Framingham Heart Study cohort.
- To examine sex differences and the impact of age on WMH heritability.
Main Methods:
- Utilized brain MRI scans from 1330 stroke-free and dementia-free Framingham offspring (mean age 61.0 years).
- Quantified WMH and total cranial volume (TCV) using a validated algorithm.
- Applied variance components methods to estimate heritability, adjusting for sex, age, age squared, and TCV.
Main Results:
- Overall WMH heritability was estimated at 0.55 (P<0.0001).
- Heritability was higher in women (0.78, P<0.0001) compared to men (0.52, P<0.0003).
- Heritability peaked at 0.68 (P<0.0001) in individuals aged 55 and older.
Conclusions:
- WMH exhibit high heritability in a generally healthy, family-based cohort.
- Heritability of WMH is comparable between men and women.
- High heritability in younger individuals suggests WMH as a potential genetic marker for brain aging.