NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The use of DNA microarray-based analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may aid in the assessment of the relative risks and benefits of hormone replacement, German and Austrian researchers report in the July issue of Fertility and Sterility.
Dr. Clemens B. Tempfer of the University of Freiburg School of Medicine and colleagues used DNA microarray analysis to assess 22 SNPs of 17 genes in 2507 perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.
Overall, 66% of the subjects had at least two homozygous mutant SNPs of interest. Twenty-three percent had at least two SNPs associated with an increased risk of breast cancer and 9.9% had SNPs indicating a thrombophilic disposition.
SNPs suggesting a predisposition to cardiovascular pathologies were seen in 12.3%, and another 26.7% of women had SNPs indicative of early postmenopausal bone loss and osteoporosis.
The researchers conclude that DNA microarray analysis could be used to help informed decision making on estrogen and hormone therapy in a “substantial proportion of women.”
“The goal is to minimize risks and to maximize benefits associated with pregnancy and pharmacologic therapies, such as oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy,” Dr. Tempfer told Reuters Health.
SNP diagnostics may also be used to individualized risk assessment for spontaneous and recurrent miscarriage, and preeclampsia, he added.
Source: Fertil Steril 2004;82:132-137. [ Google search on this article ]
MeSH Headings:Behavioral Sciences: Climacteric: Behavioral Disciplines and Activities: DNA Mutational Analysis: Drug Therapy: Economics: Health Care Economics and Organizations: Environment and Public Health: Financial Management: Genetic Techniques: Health: Health Occupations: Health Services Administration: Medicine: Investigative Techniques: Organization and Administration: Population Characteristics: Preventive Medicine: Public Health: Reproduction: Reproductive and Urinary Physiology: Risk Management: Social Sciences: Specialties, Medical: Therapeutics: Estrogen Replacement Therapy: Epidemiologic Measurements: Sequence Analysis: Sequence Analysis, DNA: Premenopause: Risk Assessment: Hormone Replacement Therapy: Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment: Anthropology, Education, Sociology and Social Phenomena: Biological Sciences: Health Care: Psychiatry and PsychologyCopyright © 2002 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Reuters and the Reuters sphere logo are registered trademarks and trademarks of the Reuters group of companies around the world.
