Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 30, 2026
06:08
Ultrasound Imaging of the Thoracic and Abdominal Aorta in Mice to Determine Aneurysm Dimensions
Published on: March 8, 2019
21.0K
Genetic and Environmental Effects on the Abdominal Aortic Diameter Development.
Adam Domonkos Tarnoki1, David Laszlo Tarnoki1, Levente Littvay2
1Department of Radiology and Oncotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
Arquivos Brasileiros De Cardiologia
|November 13, 2015
Summary
Abdominal aortic diameter has moderate heritability, with segment-specific differences. Unshared environmental factors, like lifestyle, significantly influence aortic size, highlighting their role in prevention.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Aging Research
- Cardiovascular Health
Background:
- Abdominal aortic configuration is linked to healthy aging and various disorders.
- Understanding factors influencing abdominal aortic diameter is crucial for cardiovascular health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the heritable and environmental influences on abdominal aortic diameter.
- To determine genetic and lifestyle contributions to aortic size variations.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 114 adult twin pairs (monozygotic and dizygotic) was conducted.
- Abdominal ultrasound was used to measure the abdominal aortic diameter at specific anatomical locations.
Main Results:
- Heritability estimates for abdominal aortic diameter were 40% below renal arteries and 55% above bifurcation.
- No common environmental effects were observed; unshared environmental factors accounted for 60% and 45% of the variance, respectively.
Conclusions:
- The study confirms moderate, segment-specific heritability of abdominal aortic diameter.
- Unshared environmental factors play a significant role, underscoring the importance of lifestyle in preventing aortic dilatation.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:20Gene-Environment Interactions
1.6K
Gene expression is a dynamic process that is significantly influenced by environmental factors. This interaction underlies the complex nature of biological development and the phenotypic differences observed among individuals, even among those with identical genetic makeups. Factors such as radiation, temperature, behavior, nutrition, and stress play pivotal roles in determining how genes are expressed. The concept of the reaction range is central to understanding this interaction. It posits...
1.6K
01:30Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
1.6K
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
1.6K
01:30Aneurysm I: Introduction
609
An aortic aneurysm is a localized outpouching or dilation at a weak point in the artery wall. It may involve different parts of the aorta, such as the abdominal aorta, aortic arch, or thoracic aorta.Etiological factorsSeveral disorders are associated with aortic aneurysms.Congenital causes, such as primary connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome, impact the integrity and strength of connective tissues, notably affecting the aorta. Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that specifically...
609
01:26Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care
449
Aneurysm management involves either conservative medical therapy or surgical intervention, depending on the size and symptoms of the aneurysm. Conservative management is generally reserved for smaller, asymptomatic aneurysms, while larger or symptomatic aneurysms often necessitate surgical repair.Conservative Medical TherapyFor small, asymptomatic aneurysms, particularly abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) less than 5.5 centimeters in diameter, conservative medical therapy is recommended. This...
449
02:27Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
8.1K
Although the genetic makeup of an organism plays a major role in determining the phenotype, there are also several environmental factors, such as temperature, oxygen availability, presence of mutagens, that can alter an organism’s phenotype.
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
8.1K
01:10Nature and Nurture
22.8K
Many human characteristics, like height, are shaped by both nature—in other words, by our genes—and by nurture, or our environment. For example, chronic stress during childhood inhibits the production of growth hormones and consequently reduces bone growth and height. Scientists estimate that 70-90% of variation in height is due to genetic differences among individuals, and 10-30% of variation in height is due to differences in the environments that individuals experience,...
22.8K