It was first recognised in 1833 that there was an inherited predisposition to Dupuytren’s Disease, before DNA and genes were discovered (1). Since then, hand surgeons have continued to be fascinated by the nature and extent of this predisposition. As epidemiological methodology and molecular genetic techniques have developed, our understanding has advanced, such that the design of novel therape...

Genetic determinants of common human diseases are still poorly understood. Due to large investments, many small successes have been made and the research field is rapidly expanding. However, genetic susceptibility variants showing repeatable associations with common diseases are usually of small effect. They are therefore unlikely to individually explain substantial share of disease burden in a...

inflammatory bowel disease (ibd) is a chronic disease of unknown etiology, in which genetic factors, seem to play an important role in the disease predisposition and course. assessment of tumor necrosis factor (tnf-α) gene polymorphisms in many populations showed a possible association with ibd. considering the genetic variety in different ethnic groups, the aim of the present study was to inve...

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of unknown aetiology characterized by myelin destruction. Approaches to the aetiology of the condition have noted its differential geographic and demographic distribution; a tentative and inconsistent link with infectious agents; a genetic susceptibility; and a tendency to track with dietary lipids. This review proposes a multidisciplinary approach to the ae...

BACKGROUND Although genetic epidemiologic research has added an element of individualization to epidemiologic research, there is neither agreement nor much discussion on whether donors of genetic samples should be offered an opportunity to receive individualized results regarding their genetic susceptibility to disease. Little is known regarding donors' preferences for future disclosure of indi...