The role of genetics in defining reference values and health status

Since its establishment, the Center for Preventive Medicine in Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France, performed specific studies on healthy humans, and its approach was very useful for defining reference values. Prevention should extend its interest to chronic diseases. The majority of important adult disorders are partially genetically determined. Genetic markers are also useful as exclusion or as partition criteria in the production of reference values. Results are presented that were obtained for apolipoproteins E, B and AIV, frequencies of these polymorphisms in the Lorraine population, and relationships between these polymorphisms and lipid metabolism-related parameters. Health checkup centers, in particular those involved in family screening, are well suited for resembling many data concerning environmental factors: tobacco consumption, alimentation habits, or alcohol and drug consumption. Simultaneous determination of genetic markers could allow the determination of an individual's susceptibility or resistance to developing a disease and to prepare a preventive action.