Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
3
pubmed:dateCreated
1990-9-24
pubmed:abstractText
Parkinson's disease (PD) has long been regarded as having a hereditary component. However, three recent twin studies have been interpreted as excluding any significant genetic component in the etiology of PD. In this article, we reexamine these twin studies and argue that such a conclusion is premature. We review statistical tests of twin concordance rates, including calculation of G, the coefficient of genetic determination. When variation in a trait is due entirely to genetic factors G = 1, and when variation in a trait is due entirely to nongenetic factors G = 0. We conclude that: (a) low monozygotic concordance rates can be compatible with substantial genetic contribution to etiology; (b) the PD twin study data give substantial optimal values of G (up to 0.78) but the very broad 95% confidence limits for G make it impossible for the twin study data to prove or disprove a substantial genetic component to the etiology of PD; and (c) changing clinical concepts of PD have undermined the assumptions underlying the methodology of the PD twin studies. We review three genetic models that are biologically plausible for PD and are compatible with the low twin concordance rates. Finally, we suggest that further family studies, including linkage studies, are needed to resolve this question.
pubmed:grant
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:issn
0885-3185
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
5
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
187-94
pubmed:dateRevised
2010-11-18
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
1990
pubmed:articleTitle
Twin studies and the genetics of Parkinson's disease--a reappraisal.
pubmed:affiliation
Department of Neurology, Columbia University-College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, New York.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S., Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't