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D J Galton

Publications and source records attributed to D J Galton.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Eugenics: some lessons from the past.

Eugenics was first debated by the ancient Greeks, particularly Plato and Aristotle, developed in the nineteenth century by Francis Galton and Charles Darwin, and then abused in the twentieth century by right-wing politicians. With the new methods of assisted conception combined with the use of genetic markers, all the old problems of eugenics have resurfaced. Gender selection, embryo selection, preimplantation genetic diagnosis of common disease, and gene replacement techniques (somatic cells) have added greatly to the power of the modern eugenicist. How are these procedures to be monitored and regulated? What is the role of the State compared with individual families for the implementation of the new methodologies? Some of these issues will be discussed.

Bioethical Issues↗
PubMed2002

Coronary artery disease and dyslipidemia within Europe: genetic variants in lipid transport gene loci in German subjects with premature coronary artery disease.

Fifteen polymorphisms in six lipid transport genes were studied in a German population for relationships with dyslipidemia and coronary artery disease (CAD), to investigate a possible genetic basis for the marked differences in mortality rates from coronary heart disease within Europe. In other populations these polymorphisms have all been associated with CAD or with phenotypes known to predispose to CAD. The apoAI PstI polymorphism (P<0.005) and the lipoprotein lipase Ser(447)-Ter mutation (P<0.005) were associated with plasma triglyceride concentrations. Additionally, the apoAI PstI polymorphism (P<0.05), the apoB XbaI polymorphism (P<0.05) and apoE phenotypes (P<0.05) were associated with plasma cholesterol concentrations. However, none of the allele frequencies of the polymorphisms studied were related to the presence, or absence, of coronary artery disease. Associations between five polymorphisms representing four lipid transport gene loci and dyslipidemia were demonstrated in this German population. It is possible that predisposition to dyslipidemia in Germany involves a particular selection of polymorphic loci, which are different from those identified in other European countries.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Common genetic variants that relate to disorders of lipid transport in Spanish subjects with premature coronary artery disease.

Fifteen common polymorphic variants at six loci (apolipoproteins AI, B, CIII and E, hepatic lipase and lipoprotein lipase) involved in plasma lipid transport have been studied in 210 northern Spanish men, of whom 98 had proven coronary artery disease. The other 112 men were clinically free from coronary artery disease and acted as controls. The genotypes were investigated for relationships with plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels, as well as for the presence of coronary artery disease. As expected, the mean levels of plasma triacylglycerols (triglycerides) and lipoprotein (a) and the number of smokers were significantly higher in the disease group, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol was significantly lower. Surprisingly, plasma cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were not different between the two groups. With regard to the common mutations, plasma triacylglycerol levels were related to the HindIII variants of lipoprotein lipase (P<0.05), to the apolipoprotein CIII variant (C3175G in exon 4) and to the apolipoprotein AI XmnI polymorphisms (P<0.05 and P<0.02 respectively). The apolipoprotein E variants were related to plasma cholesterol (P<0.05), HDL-cholesterol (P<0.02), plasma triacylglycerols (P<0.05) and the triacylglycerol/HDL ratio (P<0.01). Only the three-codon insertion/deletion variants of the apolipoprotein B signal peptide region discriminated between the two groups with or without arterial disease (P=0.02). The possible functional effects of these common mutations are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Legislating for the new predictive genetics.

Many new genetic markers have become available for use in the diagnosis, prognosis or risk prediction of common multifactorial disease such as venous thrombo-embolism, coronary artery disease, dementias and some cancers. Regulation or legislation of their application in the fields of the family, employment, life assurance, confidentiality and property law is required. This is made difficult because of the rapid pace of genetic discoveries and their derived technologies, the diversity of opinions on the legitimate application of these new techniques, and the pluralistic and evolving social norms of society regarding the use of the new genetic methods. This paper examines some of the problems that can arise when regulation is attempted in each of the above fields. A variety of solutions such as referenda, moratoria, ethical codes of professional bodies or the drafting of scientifically accurate and appropriate legislation depending on particular circumstances are discussed as a means of achieving a flexible and responsive approach to the challenges posed by the use of the new genetic markers.

Confidentiality↗
PubMed1999

Genetic markers to predict polygenic disease.

Many genetic markers that relate to common multifactorial disease in adults have been identified during the past 15 years. Their use as adjuncts for the diagnosis, prognosis, prediction of disease or targeting therapy for these disorders has commenced; good examples being the Factor V Leiden mutation for venous-thromboembolism, lipoprotein lipase mutations for hypertriglyceridemia and the apolipoprotein E4 variant for Alzheimer's dementia. However, extensive gene-gene interactions and gene-environment interactions make their use more complex than markers for the simpler monogenic disorders (eg, cystic fibrosis, or Duchennne's muscular dystrophy). Possible misapplications of the use of genetic markers for multifactorial disease are discussed.

Eugenics↗
PubMed1999

Angiotensinogen M235T polymorphism is associated with plasma angiotensinogen and cardiovascular disease.

BACKGROUND: Genes encoding components of the renin-angiotensin system have been associated with elevated blood pressure (BP) and an increased risk of coronary artery disease. To explore the role of the angiotensinogen (AGT) gene in coronary atherosclerosis and thrombosis, we studied the effect of the AGT M235T gene variant on plasma AGT levels and BP in patients with coronary artery disease and in the subgroup of survivors of myocardial infarction as compared with angiographically defined control subjects. METHODS AND RESULTS: This was a case-control study of 301 white male subjects examined at Frankfurt University medical center. Plasma AGT levels increased stepwise according to the number of T235 alleles present (no T235 allele, 14.8 +/- 3.9 nmol/L; 1 allele, 15.7 +/- 5.1 nmol/L; 2 alleles, 17.3 +/- 4.7 nmol/L; P =.006). In a multivariate model, circulating AGT emerged as the most important predictor of diastolic pressure (P =.001). In addition, AGT M235T gene polymorphism remained a significant predictor of diastolic BP in a multivariate model adjusted for age, body mass index, fasting glucose, apolipoprotein B, presence of coronary artery disease, and treatment with antihypertensive agents ( P <.05). Finally, homozygosity for T235 was associated with increased univariate risk of coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction (odds ratio estimates 1.5; 95% confidence intervals 1.1 to 2.1, P =.03, and 1.0 to 2.1, P =.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The significant relations observed between the AGT M235T variant, its protein product, and the cardiovascular disease phenotypes provide evidence for a possible role of elevated circulating AGT in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease.

Alleles↗
PubMed1999

Genetic markers to predict polygenic disease: a new problem for social genetics.

Many genetic markers that relate to common multifactorial disease in adults have been identified during the past 15 years. Their use as adjuncts for the diagnosis, prognosis, prediction of disease or targeting therapy for these disorders has begun, good examples being the Factor V Leiden mutation for venous-thromboembolism, lipoprotein lipase mutations for hypertriglyceridaemia and the apolipoprotein E4 variant for Alzheimer's dementia. However, extensive gene-gene and gene-environment interactions make their use more complex than markers for the simpler monogenic disorders (such as cystic fibrosis, or Duchenne's muscular dystrophy). Possible misapplication of the genetic markers for multifactorial disease in the fields of risk prediction, direct sales to the public, life assurance, employment rights, and legislation for regulation of their use are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Common genetic variants of lipoprotein lipase and apolipoproteins AI-CIII that relate to coronary artery disease: a study in Chinese and European subjects.

The large ethnic differences in prevalence of coronary artery disease between China and Europe may relate to both genetic and environmental differences. To assess possible genetic factors we have therefore studied the frequencies of disease-related variants of genes involved in lipid transport in 69 hypertriglyceridemic Chinese subjects and 74 healthy Chinese controls. The loci studied include lipoprotein lipase (Asp9Asn, Asn291Ser, Ser447Ter, and Thr361Thr); apolipoprotein A1 (restriction sites at MspI, XmnI, and PstI); and apolipoprotein (apo) CIII (G3175C). All these variants have been shown in previous literature publications to relate to either dyslipidemia and/or premature coronary heart disease in Caucasians. Two disease-related genetic variants in Europeans (Asp9Asn and Asn291Ser) were not found in the Chinese sample. The apo CIII G3175C variant was found more frequently in the upper tertile distributions for apolipoprotein CIII, apolipoprotein E, and plasma triglyceride/HDL ratios (P < 0.05). The rare allele of the apo AI MspI restriction site polymorphic variant was also found more frequently in the upper tertiles for apo CIII, apo E, and plasma triglyceride/HDL ratios (P < 0.04). Eleven of the most lipaemic Chinese subjects (with fasting plasma triglycerides >700 mg/dl) were analyzed for DNA sequence variation. One novel mutation was observed C1338A (which is a silent mutation at Thr361) and two others that are also found in European subjects (Ala261Thr and Ser447Ter). We conclude that genetic differences between Chinese and Europeans may have an effect on the prevalence of coronary artery risk factors involved in lipid transport, and further extended study is warranted.

Alleles↗
PubMed1998

Francis Galton: and eugenics today.

Eugenics can be defined as the use of science applied to the qualitative and quantitative improvement of the human genome. The subject was initiated by Francis Galton with considerable support from Charles Darwin in the latter half of the 19th century. Its scope has increased enormously since the recent revolution in molecular genetics. Genetic files can be easily obtained for individuals either antenatally or at birth; somatic gene therapy has been introduced for some rare inborn errors of metabolism; and gene manipulation of human germ-line cells will no doubt occur in the near future to generate organs for transplantation. The past history of eugenics has been appalling, with gross abuses in the USA between 1931 and 1945 when compulsory sterilization was practised; and in Germany between 1933 and 1945 when mass extermination and compulsory sterilization were performed. To prevent such abuses in the future statutory bodies, such as a genetics commission, should be established to provide guidance and rules of conduct for use of the new information and technologies as applied to the human genome.

Eugenics↗
PubMed1998

Greek theories on eugenics.

With the recent developments in the Human Genome Mapping Project and the new technologies that are developing from it there is a renewal of concern about eugenic applications. Francis Galton (b1822, d1911), who developed the subject of eugenics, suggested that the ancient Greeks had contributed very little to social theories of eugenics. In fact the Greeks had a profound interest in methods of supplying their city states with the finest possible progeny. This paper therefore reviews the works of Plato (The Republic and Politics) and Aristotle (The Politics and The Athenian Constitution) which have a direct bearing on eugenic techniques and relates them to methods used in the present century.

Eugenics↗
PubMed1998

The Ser447-Ter mutation of the lipoprotein lipase gene relates to variability of serum lipid and lipoprotein levels in monozygotic twins.

Studies on monozygotic twins support a role for genetic determinants of plasma lipid, lipoprotein, and apolipoprotein levels. Gene variants of the enzyme lipoprotein lipase have been shown to associate with dyslipidemia and coronary artery disease. We assessed the gene-environment interaction by investigating the relationship between the lipoprotein lipase gene and plasma lipid, lipoprotein, and apolipoprotein variability and levels among 54 male monozygotic twin pairs (aged 18-28 years). The Ser447-Ter mutation (C-->G transversion) was associated with significantly smaller within-pair differences in plasma high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (CG [n = 10] vs. CC [n = 44], 3.7+/-5.3 mg/dl vs. 6.4+/-5.2 mg/dl, P < 0.03) and total cholesterol (CG [n = 10] vs. CC [n = 44], 7.9+/-9.4 mg/dl vs. 15.8+/-12.7 mg/dl, P < 0.05), indicating attenuated variability in response to environmental stimuli. This observation of a restrictive variability gene effect further supports a role for the lipoprotein lipase gene in the genetic regulation of lipids and lipoproteins and suggests that the Ser447-Ter mutation exerts multiple effects. This study also raises the possibility of a genetically determined responsiveness to dyslipidemia therapies.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Genetic determinants of atherosclerosis-related dyslipidemias and their clinical implications.

New approaches to the study of the genetics of premature coronary heart disease (CHD) have been made possible by the introduction of DNA probes for the apolipoproteins, the receptors and enzymes involved in lipid transport. Initially these were used to identify restriction fragment length polymorphisms for use as genetic markers to locate genes involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. More recent developments have allowed direct analysis of etiological mutations by such methods as single stranded conformational polymorphism (SSCP) analysis and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Loci that have been incriminated by such techniques include the apolipoprotein A-I--C-III--A-IV gene cluster, the apo B gene and the lipoprotein lipase locus. It is to be anticipated that these and other techniques will eventually identify all the major determinants involved in disorders of lipid transport and the development of premature atherosclerosis.

Age of Onset↗
PubMed1997

Mutations at the lipoprotein lipase gene locus in subjects with diabetes mellitus, obesity and lipaemia.

1. The common association of obesity, diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidaemia may have a primary aetiological basis. Insulin resistance has been postulated as a possible cause, but defects in the plasma transport of triacylglycerol or fatty acids could also be primary determinants. 2. We have therefore studied 18 patients with diabetes mellitus, obesity and severe hypertriglyceridaemia for defects of a key protein involved in the clearance of plasma triacylglycerols, lipoprotein lipase. 3. DNA was prepared from leucocytes of 18 patients with the above syndrome, and exons encoding lipoprotein lipase were amplified by PCR. The products were sequenced using the dideoxy chain-termination method. 4. Eight of the subjects were found to possess genetic variants at the lipoprotein lipase gene locus. These were: (a) G579-->A, V108V; (b) G818-->A, G188E; (c) C829-->T, R192; (d) A1127-->G, N291S; (e) C1308-->G, F351L; (f) C1338-->A, T361T; and (g) C1595-->G, S447. Three of these, (c), (e) and (f), have not hitherto been described. Variant (f), appears to be a population polymorphism whose allele frequency in normolipidaemic diabetics was found to be 0.12 (162 chromosomes studied). The others are all rare at frequencies of < 0.01 and may contribute to the phenotype by impairing clearance of plasma triacylglycerols. 5. We conclude that genetic variants at the lipoprotein lipase locus occur commonly in subjects with this syndrome (four out of 18 subjects with probably functional mutants) and may affect the individual's response to obesity and diabetes mellitus for the development of lipaemia.

Adult↗