It is not possible to understand the etiology of hypertension without considering the role of inheritance. Epidemiological evidence indicates that the development of high blood pressure in the population at large depends on the interaction of different types of genes and several environmental influences. The sources of genetic variation in blood pressure distribution are polygenes, polymorphic genes, and dominant idiomorphic genes. The main environmental sources are weight gain, excess salt (Na) intake, and psychosocial stress. Only those individuals with a specific genetic predisposition may develop high blood pressure when exposed to excessive environmental influences.

Blood Group Antigens↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Genetics and alcoholism.

This review summarizes the evidence which supports the hypothesis that alcoholism is an inherited disease. (1) Genealogical studies showed that alcoholism is a family condition. (2) Studies of adopted children of alcoholic parents raised by foster parents demonstrated that family aggregation is of genetic nature. (3) Twin studies showed differences between identical and non-identical twins. (4) Alcoholism is associated with the following genetic markers: color vision, non-secretor ABH, HLA B13, and low platelet MAO. Markers may help lead to genetic primary prevention of alcoholism. (5) Biochemical studies showed the importance of alcohol dehydrogenase polymorphism in racial susceptibility to alcoholism. Three different general genetic models for alcoholism are described: (a) polygenic, (b) genetical heterogeneity, and (c) pharmacogenetic.

Alcohol Dehydrogenase↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Genetic foundation of the beginning of human life].

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Female↗