Genomics, telomere length, epigenetics, and metabolomics in the nurses' health studies

M.K. Townsend, H. Aschard, I. De Vivo, K.B. Michels and P. Kraft

American Journal of Public Health, 2016, vol. 106, issue 9, 1663-1668

Abstract: Objectives. To review the contribution of the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) and NHS II to genomics, epigenetics, and metabolomics research. Methods. We performed a narrative review of the publications of the NHS and NHS II between 1990 and 2016 based on biospecimens, including blood and tumor tissue, collected from participants. Results.TheNHShas contributed to the discovery of genetic loci influencingmore than 45 complex human phenotypes, including cancers, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, reproductive characteristics, and anthropometric traits. The combination of genomewide genotype data with extensive exposure and lifestyle data has enabled the evaluation of gene-environment interactions. Furthermore, data suggest that longer telomere length increases risk of cancers not related to smoking, and that modifiable factors (e.g., diet) may have an impact on telomere length. "Omics" research in the NHS continues to expand, with epigenetics and metabolomics becoming greater areas of focus. Conclusions.Thecombination ofprospectivebiomarker dataandbroadexposure information has enabled the NHS to participate in a variety of "omics" research, contributing to understanding of the epidemiology and biology of multiple complex diseases.

Keywords: biological marker, adult; epidemiology; epigenetics; female; genomics; genotype; genotype environment interaction; human; lifestyle; longitudinal study; metabolomics; middle aged; nurse; phenotype; prospective study; risk factor; telomere; United States; women's health, Adult; Biomarkers; Epidemiologic Studies; Epigenomics; Female; Gene-Environment Interaction; Genomics; Genotype; Humans; Life Style; Longitudinal Studies; Metabolomics; Middle Aged; Nurses; Phenotype; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Telomere; United States; Women's Health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2016.303344_9

DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2016.303344

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