Mendelian randomization: potential use of genetics to enable causal inferences regarding HIV-associated biomarkers and outcomes.
Curr Opin HIV AIDS
; 5(6): 545-59, 2010 Nov.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-20978399
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE OF REVIEW It is unknown whether biomarkers simply correlate with or are causal for HIV-associated outcomes. Mendelian randomization is a genetic epidemiologic approach used to disentangle causation from association. Here, we discuss the potential use of Mendelian randomization for differentiating whether biomarkers are correlating with or causal for HIV-associated outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS:
Mendelian randomization refers to the random allocation of alleles at the time of gamete formation. In observational epidemiology, this refers to the use of genetic variants to estimate a causal effect between a modifiable risk factor and an outcome of interest. A formal Mendelian randomization study using a genetic marker as a proxy for the biomarker has not been conducted in the HIV field. However, in the postgenomic era, this approach is being used increasingly. Examples are evidence for the causal role of BMI in blood pressure and noncausal role of C-reactive protein in coronary heart disease. We discuss the conceptual framework, uses, and limitations of Mendelian randomization in the context of HIV infection as well as specific biomarkers (IL-6, C-reactive protein) and genetic determinants (e.g., in CCR5, chemokine, and DARC genes) that associate with HIV-related outcomes.SUMMARY:
Making the distinction between correlation and causality has particular relevance when a biomarker (e.g., IL-6) is potentially modifiable, in which case a biomarker-guided targeted treatment strategy may be feasible. Although the tenets of Mendelian randomization rest on strong assumptions, and conducting a Mendelian randomization study in HIV infection presents many challenges, it may offer the potential to identify causal biomarkers for HIV-associated outcomes.
Texto completo:
1
Bases de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Marcadores Genéticos
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Infecciones por VIH
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Análisis de la Aleatorización Mendeliana
Tipo de estudio:
Clinical_trials
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Diagnostic_studies
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Prognostic_studies
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Risk_factors_studies
Límite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Curr Opin HIV AIDS
Asunto de la revista:
SINDROME DA IMUNODEFICIENCIA ADQUIRIDA (AIDS)
Año:
2010
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Estados Unidos