1
|
Bruins D, Onstwedder SM, Cornel MC, Ausems MGEM, van Mil MHW, Rigter T. Information Provision Regarding Health-Related Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing for Dutch Consumers: An in-Depth Content Analysis of Sellers' Websites. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:517. [PMID: 38674451 PMCID: PMC11049909 DOI: 10.3390/genes15040517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Previous studies have suggested that information offered by sellers of health-related direct-to-consumer genetic tests (DTC-GTs) is often incomplete, unbalanced, or too difficult to understand. The extent to which this is the case for sellers accessible to Dutch consumers has not previously been studied. Methods and Goals: The present study aimed to assess the completeness, balance, readability, and findability of informational content on a selection of websites from several health-related DTC-GT sellers accessible to Dutch consumers. An in-depth content analysis was performed based on a recently published checklist outlining key items for policy guidance regarding DTC-GT services. Results: The information provided by sellers did not equally cover all aspects relevant to health-related DTC-GT service provision. The provided information was slightly unbalanced, with benefits of health-related DTC-GT usage being overemphasized compared to its risks and limitations. The readability of the provided information was low, on average requiring college education for proper understanding. A findability analysis showed that information concerning all themes is overall relatively evenly distributed across analyzed sellers' websites. Conclusions: Information provision by assessed health-related DTC-GT sellers is suboptimal regarding completeness, balance, and readability. To better empower potential consumers to make an informed decision regarding health-related DTC-GT usage, we advocate industry-wide enhancement of information provision.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danny Bruins
- Section Community Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Personalized Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (D.B.)
| | - Suzanne M. Onstwedder
- Section Community Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Personalized Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (D.B.)
- Center for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, 3721 MA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Martina C. Cornel
- Section Community Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Personalized Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (D.B.)
| | - Margreet G. E. M. Ausems
- Department of Genetics, Division Laboratories, Pharmacy and Biomedical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marc H. W. van Mil
- Center of Education and Training, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tessel Rigter
- Section Community Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Personalized Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (D.B.)
- Center for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, 3721 MA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Shaheen AR, Uhr JH, Sridhar J, Yannuzzi NA. Limitations of direct-to-consumer genetic testing for age-related macular degeneration. Eur J Ophthalmol 2023; 33:2059-2061. [PMID: 37211635 DOI: 10.1177/11206721231178054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The availability of direct-to-consumer genetic testing (DTCGT) for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) provides the public with access to disease risk estimations that may be used to guide lifestyle adjustments. However, AMD development risk is more complex than can be captured by gene mutations alone. The methodologies employed by current DTCGTs to estimate AMD risk vary and are limited in several ways. Genotyping-based DTCGT is biased toward European ancestry and only considers a limited number of genes. Whole genome sequencing based DTCGTs uncovers several genetic variations with unknown relevance, making risk interpretation challenging. In this perspective, we describe the limitations of the DTCGT for AMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdulla R Shaheen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Joshua H Uhr
- Department of Ophthalmology, Retinal and Ophthalmic Consultants, PC, Northfield, NJ, USA
| | - Jayanth Sridhar
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Nicolas A Yannuzzi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
de la Garza AL, Zonenszain-Laiter Y. Análisis bioético del uso de la biotecnología genómica en la nutrición traslacional. PERSONA Y BIOÉTICA 2023. [DOI: 10.5294/pebi.2022.26.2.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Los avances de la biotecnología y las fascinantes perspectivas de la genómica nutricional en el escenario de la práctica clínica conducen a la consideración de distintos aspectos que impactan en el beneficio integral del ser humano. En ese sentido, la integración de la nutrición personalizada en la atención clínica requiere de un análisis bioético centrado en la unidad de la persona que, con base en su perfil nutrigenético único, contribuya al cuidado de la salud por medio del tratamiento nutricional individualizado. El análisis bioético contempla los principios de totalidad terapéutica, libertad e integridad. Además, el uso de las pruebas nutrigenéticas destaca no solo la confidencialidad de datos, que se presupone, sino que lleva a considerar el derecho a la intimidad.
Collapse
|
4
|
den Hollander AI, Mullins RF, Orozco LD, Voigt AP, Chen HH, Strunz T, Grassmann F, Haines JL, Kuiper JJW, Tumminia SJ, Allikmets R, Hageman GS, Stambolian D, Klaver CCW, Boeke JD, Chen H, Honigberg L, Katti S, Frazer KA, Weber BHF, Gorin MB. Systems genomics in age-related macular degeneration. Exp Eye Res 2022; 225:109248. [PMID: 36108770 PMCID: PMC10150562 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Genomic studies in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) have identified genetic variants that account for the majority of AMD risk. An important next step is to understand the functional consequences and downstream effects of the identified AMD-associated genetic variants. Instrumental for this next step are 'omics' technologies, which enable high-throughput characterization and quantification of biological molecules, and subsequent integration of genomics with these omics datasets, a field referred to as systems genomics. Single cell sequencing studies of the retina and choroid demonstrated that the majority of candidate AMD genes identified through genomic studies are expressed in non-neuronal cells, such as the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), glia, myeloid and choroidal cells, highlighting that many different retinal and choroidal cell types contribute to the pathogenesis of AMD. Expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) studies in retinal tissue have identified putative causal genes by demonstrating a genetic overlap between gene regulation and AMD risk. Linking genetic data to complement measurements in the systemic circulation has aided in understanding the effect of AMD-associated genetic variants in the complement system, and supports that protein QTL (pQTL) studies in plasma or serum samples may aid in understanding the effect of genetic variants and pinpointing causal genes in AMD. A recent epigenomic study fine-mapped AMD causal variants by determing regulatory regions in RPE cells differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC-RPE). Another approach that is being employed to pinpoint causal AMD genes is to produce synthetic DNA assemblons representing risk and protective haplotypes, which are then delivered to cellular or animal model systems. Pinpointing causal genes and understanding disease mechanisms is crucial for the next step towards clinical translation. Clinical trials targeting proteins encoded by the AMD-associated genomic loci C3, CFB, CFI, CFH, and ARMS2/HTRA1 are currently ongoing, and a phase III clinical trial for C3 inhibition recently showed a modest reduction of lesion growth in geographic atrophy. The EYERISK consortium recently developed a genetic test for AMD that allows genotyping of common and rare variants in AMD-associated genes. Polygenic risk scores (PRS) were applied to quantify AMD genetic risk, and may aid in predicting AMD progression. In conclusion, genomic studies represent a turning point in our exploration of AMD. The results of those studies now serve as a driving force for several clinical trials. Expanding to omics and systems genomics will further decipher function and causality from the associations that have been reported, and will enable the development of therapies that will lessen the burden of AMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anneke I den Hollander
- Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; AbbVie, Genomics Research Center, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Robert F Mullins
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | - Andrew P Voigt
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | - Tobias Strunz
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | - Jonathan L Haines
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Institute for Computational Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jonas J W Kuiper
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Center of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Rando Allikmets
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, NY, USA; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, NY, USA
| | - Gregory S Hageman
- Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Dwight Stambolian
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Human Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Caroline C W Klaver
- Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Departments of Ophthalmology and Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jef D Boeke
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Langone Health, NY, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, NY, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Hao Chen
- Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Kelly A Frazer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, USA; Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | - Bernhard H F Weber
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany; Institute of Clinical Human Genetics, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Michael B Gorin
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Cernat A, Bashir NS, Ungar WJ. Considerations for developing regulations for direct-to-consumer genetic testing: a scoping review using the 3-I framework. J Community Genet 2022; 13:155-170. [PMID: 35171498 DOI: 10.1007/s12687-022-00582-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing exists largely outside of any regulatory schemes, and studies providing a comprehensive overview of the ethical, social, legal, and technological considerations for regulating these types of technologies are lacking. This paper uses the 3-I framework for policy analysis to analyze the ideas, interests, and institutions relevant to policy development for DTC genetic testing in North America and internationally. A scoping review was conducted. Citation databases were searched for papers addressing the ethical, social, legal, and technological implications of DTC genetic testing; stakeholder perspectives on and experiences with DTC genetic testing; or the effect of such testing on the healthcare system. Ninety-nine publications, organizational reports, governmental documents, or pieces of legislation were included. The ideas included are autonomy, informed decision making, privacy, and clinical validity and utility. The interests discussed are those of the public and healthcare providers. The institutions included are regulatory organizations such as the Food and Drug Administration in the United States, laws governing the implementation or delivery of genetic testing in general, and legislation created to protect against genetic discrimination. This analysis clarifies the ethical, social, legal, and technological issues of DTC genetic testing regulation. This information can be used by policy makers to develop or strengthen regulations for DTC genetic testing such as requiring an assessment of the clinical validity of tests before they become publicly available, controlling how tests are marketed, and stipulating requirements for healthcare provider involvement and informed consent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Cernat
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Child Health Evaluative Sciences, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, 686 Bay St, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Naazish S Bashir
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, 686 Bay St, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Wendy J Ungar
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Child Health Evaluative Sciences, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, 686 Bay St, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ng CC, Chan CK, Abraham P, Hafner AD. Single nucleotide polymorphism profiles associated with three common phenotypes of advanced age-related macular degeneration. Acta Ophthalmol 2021; 99:e133-e134. [PMID: 32643258 DOI: 10.1111/aos.14498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Caleb C. Ng
- Department of Ophthalmology California Pacific Medical Center San Francisco CA USA
- Department of Ophthalmology Loma Linda University School of Medicine Loma Linda CA USA
| | - Clement K. Chan
- Department of Ophthalmology Loma Linda University School of Medicine Loma Linda CA USA
- Southern California Desert Retina Consultants Palm Desert CA USA
| | - Prema Abraham
- Black Hills Regional Eye Institute Rapid City SD USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
de Breuk A, Acar IE, Kersten E, Schijvenaars MMVAP, Colijn JM, Haer-Wigman L, Bakker B, de Jong S, Meester-Smoor MA, Verzijden T, Missotten TOAR, Monés J, Biarnés M, Pauleikhoff D, Hense HW, Silva R, Nunes S, Melo JB, Fauser S, Hoyng CB, Ueffing M, Coenen MJH, Klaver CCW, den Hollander AI. Development of a Genotype Assay for Age-Related Macular Degeneration: The EYE-RISK Consortium. Ophthalmology 2020; 128:1604-1617. [PMID: 32717343 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2020.07.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To develop a genotype assay to assess associations with common and rare age-related macular degeneration (AMD) risk variants, to calculate an overall genetic risk score (GRS), and to identify potential misdiagnoses with inherited macular dystrophies that mimic AMD. DESIGN Case-control study. PARTICIPANTS Individuals (n = 4740) from 5 European cohorts. METHODS We designed single-molecule molecular inversion probes for target selection and used next generation sequencing to sequence 87 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), coding and splice-site regions of 10 AMD-(related) genes (ARMS2, C3, C9, CD46, CFB, CFH, CFI, HTRA1, TIMP3, and SLC16A8), and 3 genes that cause inherited macular dystrophies (ABCA4, CTNNA1, and PRPH2). Genetic risk scores for common AMD risk variants were calculated based on effect size and genotype of 52 AMD-associated variants. Frequency of rare variants was compared between late AMD patients and control individuals with logistic regression analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Genetic risk score, association of genetic variants with AMD, and genotype-phenotype correlations. RESULTS We observed high concordance rates between our platform and other genotyping platforms for the 69 successfully genotyped SNPs (>96%) and for the rare variants (>99%). We observed a higher GRS for patients with late AMD compared with patients with early/intermediate AMD (P < 0.001) and individuals without AMD (P < 0.001). A higher proportion of pathogenic variants in the CFH (odds ratio [OR] = 2.88; P = 0.006), CFI (OR = 4.45; P = 0.005), and C3 (OR = 6.56; P = 0.0003) genes was observed in late AMD patients compared with control individuals. In 9 patients, we identified pathogenic variants in the PRPH2, ABCA4, and CTNNA1 genes, which allowed reclassification of these patients as having inherited macular dystrophy. CONCLUSIONS This study reports a genotype assay for common and rare AMD genetic variants, which can identify individuals at intermediate to high genetic risk of late AMD and enables differential diagnosis of AMD-mimicking dystrophies. Our study supports sequencing of CFH, CFI, and C3 genes because they harbor rare high-risk variants. Carriers of these variants could be amendable for new treatments for AMD that currently are under development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anita de Breuk
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ilhan E Acar
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Eveline Kersten
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Mascha M V A P Schijvenaars
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Johanna M Colijn
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lonneke Haer-Wigman
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Centre for Neuroscience, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bjorn Bakker
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sarah de Jong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Magda A Meester-Smoor
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Timo Verzijden
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jordi Monés
- Barcelona Macula Foundation, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de la Màcula, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Biarnés
- Barcelona Macula Foundation, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de la Màcula, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Hans W Hense
- Institute of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, Westfälische Wilhelms University, Münster, Germany
| | - Rufino Silva
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra (iCBR-FMUC), Coimbra, Portugal; Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sandrina Nunes
- Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana B Melo
- Cytogenetics and Genomics Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; iCBR-CIMAGO, Center of Investigation on Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sascha Fauser
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Carel B Hoyng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marius Ueffing
- Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marieke J H Coenen
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Caroline C W Klaver
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anneke I den Hollander
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kang K, Sun X, Wang L, Yao X, Tang S, Deng J, Wu X, Yang C, Chen G. Direct-to-consumer genetic testing in China and its role in GWAS discovery and replication. QUANTITATIVE BIOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40484-020-0209-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
9
|
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE The American Academy of Ophthalmology currently recommends against routine genetic testing for complex diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The results of this study demonstrate that patients are very interested in predictive genetic testing for AMD, find the information useful, and make behavioral changes as a result of the information. PURPOSE The goal of this project was to conduct a pilot AMD genomic medicine study. METHODS Eligible patients were aged 50 to 65 years with no personal history of AMD. DNA samples were genotyped for five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CFH gene, one SNP in the ARMS-2 gene, one SNP in the C3 gene, and one SNP in the mitochondrial ND2 gene. A risk score was calculated utilizing a model based on odds ratios, lifetime risk of advanced AMD and known population prevalence of genotype, haplotype, and smoking risk. The study optometrist provided the patient's risk score and counseling for personal protective behaviors. Telephone interviews were conducted 1 to 3 months after the counseling visit. RESULTS One hundred one subjects (85%) participated in the genetic testing; 78 (77.2%) were female. Follow-up interviews were conducted with 94 participants (93.1%). More than half (n = 48) of the participants said that they were motivated to participate in the study because they had a family member with AMD or another eye or genetic disorder. Despite low risk levels, many participants reported making changes as a result of the genetic testing. Twenty-seven people reported making specific changes, including wearing sunglasses and brimmed hat and taking vitamin supplements. Another 16 people said that they were already doing the recommended activities, including wearing glasses, quitting smoking, and/or taking vitamins. CONCLUSIONS Interest in genetic testing for future risk of AMD was high in this population and resulted in support to continue current health behaviors or incentive to improve behaviors related to eye health.
Collapse
|
10
|
Genetic risk score has added value over initial clinical grading stage in predicting disease progression in age-related macular degeneration. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6611. [PMID: 31036867 PMCID: PMC6488669 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-43144-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Several prediction models for progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) have been developed, but the added value of using genetic information in those models in addition to clinical characteristics is ambiguous. In this prospective cohort study, we explored the added value of genetics using a genetic risk score (GRS) based on 52 AMD-associated variants, in addition to the clinical severity grading at baseline as quantified by validated drusen detection software, to predict disease progression in 177 AMD patients after 6.5 years follow-up. The GRS was strongly associated with the drusen coverage at baseline (P < 0.001) and both the GRS and drusen coverage were associated with disease progression. When the GRS was added as predictor in addition to the drusen coverage, R2 increased from 0.46 to 0.56. This improvement by the GRS was predominantly seen in patients with a drusen coverage <15%. In patients with a larger drusen coverage, the GRS had less added value to predict progression. Thus, genetic information has added value over clinical characteristics in predicting disease progression in AMD, but only in patients with a less severe disease stage. Patients with a high GRS should be made aware of their risk and could be selected for clinical trials for arresting progression.
Collapse
|
11
|
Maugeri A, Barchitta M, Mazzone MG, Giuliano F, Agodi A. Complement System and Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Implications of Gene-Environment Interaction for Preventive and Personalized Medicine. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:7532507. [PMID: 30225264 PMCID: PMC6129329 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7532507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of visual loss in developed countries, with a significant economic and social burden on public health. Although genome-wide and gene-candidate studies have been enabled to identify genetic variants in the complement system associated with AMD pathogenesis, the effect of gene-environment interaction is still under debate. In this review we provide an overview of the role of complement system and its genetic variants in AMD, summarizing the consequences of the interaction between genetic and environmental risk factors on AMD onset, progression, and therapeutic response. Finally, we discuss the perspectives of current evidence in the field of genomics driven personalized medicine and public health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Maugeri
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “GF Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Martina Barchitta
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “GF Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Mazzone
- SIFI SpA, Research and Development Department, Via Ercole Patti 36, 95025 Catania, Italy
| | - Francesco Giuliano
- SIFI SpA, Research and Development Department, Via Ercole Patti 36, 95025 Catania, Italy
| | - Antonella Agodi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “GF Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Csaky KG, Schachat AP, Kaiser PK, Small KW, Heier JS. The Use of Genetic Testing in the Management of Patients With Age-Related Macular Degeneration. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1177/2474126416680671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
13
|
Covolo L, Rubinelli S, Ceretti E, Gelatti U. Internet-Based Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing: A Systematic Review. J Med Internet Res 2015; 17:e279. [PMID: 26677835 PMCID: PMC4704942 DOI: 10.2196/jmir.4378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Revised: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Direct-to-consumer genetic tests (DTC-GT) are easily purchased through the Internet, independent of a physician referral or approval for testing, allowing the retrieval of genetic information outside the clinical context. There is a broad debate about the testing validity, their impact on individuals, and what people know and perceive about them. Objective The aim of this review was to collect evidence on DTC-GT from a comprehensive perspective that unravels the complexity of the phenomenon. Methods A systematic search was carried out through PubMed, Web of Knowledge, and Embase, in addition to Google Scholar according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist with the key term “Direct-to-consumer genetic test.” Results In the final sample, 118 articles were identified. Articles were summarized in five categories according to their focus on (1) knowledge of, attitude toward use of, and perception of DTC-GT (n=37), (2) the impact of genetic risk information on users (n=37), (3) the opinion of health professionals (n=20), (4) the content of websites selling DTC-GT (n=16), and (5) the scientific evidence and clinical utility of the tests (n=14). Most of the articles analyzed the attitude, knowledge, and perception of DTC-GT, highlighting an interest in using DTC-GT, along with the need for a health care professional to help interpret the results. The articles investigating the content analysis of the websites selling these tests are in agreement that the information provided by the companies about genetic testing is not completely comprehensive for the consumer. Given that risk information can modify consumers’ health behavior, there are surprisingly few studies carried out on actual consumers and they do not confirm the overall concerns on the possible impact of DTC-GT. Data from studies that investigate the quality of the tests offered confirm that they are not informative, have little predictive power, and do not measure genetic risk appropriately. Conclusions The impact of DTC-GT on consumers’ health perceptions and behaviors is an emerging concern. However, negative effects on consumers or health benefits have yet to be observed. Nevertheless, since the online market of DTC-GT is expected to grow, it is important to remain aware of a possible impact.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Loredana Covolo
- Unit of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Italy, Brescia, Italy.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
The Rotterdam Study is a prospective cohort study ongoing since 1990 in the city of Rotterdam in The Netherlands. The study targets cardiovascular, endocrine, hepatic, neurological, ophthalmic, psychiatric, dermatological, otolaryngological, locomotor, and respiratory diseases. As of 2008, 14,926 subjects aged 45 years or over comprise the Rotterdam Study cohort. The findings of the Rotterdam Study have been presented in over 1200 research articles and reports (see www.erasmus-epidemiology.nl/rotterdamstudy ). This article gives the rationale of the study and its design. It also presents a summary of the major findings and an update of the objectives and methods.
Collapse
|
15
|
Agarwal A, Rhoades WR, Hanout M, Soliman MK, Sarwar S, Sadiq MA, Sepah YJ, Do DV, Nguyen QD. Management of neovascular age-related macular degeneration: current state-of-the-art care for optimizing visual outcomes and therapies in development. Clin Ophthalmol 2015; 9:1001-15. [PMID: 26089632 PMCID: PMC4467654 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s74959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Contemporary management of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has evolved significantly over the last few years. The goal of treatment is shifting from merely salvaging vision to maintaining a high quality of life. There have been significant breakthroughs in the identification of viable drug targets and gene therapies. Imaging tools with near-histological precision have enhanced our knowledge about pathophysiological mechanisms that play a role in vision loss due to AMD. Visual, social, and vocational rehabilitation are all important treatment goals. In this review, evidence from landmark clinical trials is summarized to elucidate the optimum modern-day management of neovascular AMD. Therapeutic strategies currently under development, such as gene therapy and personalized medicine, are also described.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aniruddha Agarwal
- Stanley M Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - William R Rhoades
- Stanley M Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Mostafa Hanout
- Stanley M Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Mohamed Kamel Soliman
- Stanley M Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Salman Sarwar
- Stanley M Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Mohammad Ali Sadiq
- Stanley M Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Yasir Jamal Sepah
- Stanley M Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Diana V Do
- Stanley M Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Quan Dong Nguyen
- Stanley M Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| |
Collapse
|