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Genetic and environmental influences on baseline SCE
B A Hirsch1, K K Sentz, M McGue
1Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Genetic factors significantly influence baseline sister chromatid exchange (SCE) rates, accounting for about 30% of variation. Lifestyle factors like smoking and coffee consumption also play a role in SCE rates.
Area of Science:
- Human Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Previous studies identified factors influencing sister chromatid exchange (SCE) rates, explaining ~20% of interindividual variation.
- The role of genetic factors in baseline SCE rates requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the heritability of baseline SCE rates using a twin study design.
- To identify demographic, hematologic, and exposure variables predicting SCE rates.
Main Methods:
- A classic twin study design involving 136 monozygotic and 88 dizygotic twins (ages 25-81).
- Data collection included questionnaires and peripheral blood samples.
- Statistical analyses comprised univariate analyses (ANOVA, Pearson correlations) and stepwise multiple regression.
Main Results:
- Smoking, coffee consumption, sex, white blood cell count, lymphocyte, and neutrophil counts significantly affected SCE rates.
- Smoking and coffee consumption explained 21% of SCE rate variance.
- Genetic factors accounted for approximately 30% of SCE rate variation after adjusting for other predictors.
Conclusions:
- A significant genetic influence on baseline SCE rates is supported.
- Lifestyle and hematologic factors also contribute to interindividual variation in SCE rates.