Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2026
05:53
Candidate Gene Testing in Clinical Cohort Studies with Multiplexed Genotyping and Mass Spectrometry
Published on: June 21, 2018
[Two German Birth Cohorts: GINIplus and LISAplus]
J Heinrich1, I Brüske, M Schnappinger
1Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt, Institut für Epidemiologie I, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Deutschland. heinrich@helmholtz-muenchen.de
Summary
Prospective birth cohort studies like GINIplus and LISAplus track childhood health, revealing disease origins and modifiable risk factors. These German studies provide crucial insights into chronic disease development and genetic influences.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Context:
- Chronic diseases often originate in perinatal life, potentially influenced by trans-generational epigenetic factors.
- Prospective birth cohorts are vital for understanding disease etiology and identifying modifiable risk factors.
- The German GINIplus and LISAplus birth cohorts were established to study chronic disease development from birth.
Purpose:
- To describe the natural course of chronic diseases and intermediate phenotypes in childhood.
- To identify determinants of chronic disease development, including genetic effect modifications.
- To analyze growth, development, infections, allergies, mental and oral health, and metabolic/inflammatory parameters.
Summary:
- GINIplus and LISAplus recruited over 9,000 newborns in the mid-1990s for long-term follow-up.
- Analysis covered growth, overweight, infections, allergies, mental/oral health, and metabolic/inflammatory markers.
- Follow-up rates reached approximately 55% over the first 10 years, providing valuable longitudinal data.
Impact:
- Study results significantly enhance knowledge regarding the natural progression of childhood health parameters.
- Data contributed to international projects, enabling cross-cohort comparisons and increased analytical power.
- Findings support the identification of early-life origins for chronic diseases and potential interventions.
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