Genetic Predisposition for Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance–reply–II

Abstract

We appreciate the very informative comments of Drs Ruiz-Delgado and Ruiz-Argüelles on our recent article. We learned from them that the lower prevalence of MGUS, myeloma, and Waldenström macroglobulinemia in Mexicans than in white Americans might be explained by the genetic admixture of Mexican mestizos, especially the 56% of American Indian genes. We agree that genetic differences might be strongly associated with racial differences in the etiology and prevalence of MGUS. The comments of Drs Ruiz-Delgado and Ruiz-Argüelles suggest that geographic differences in prevalence of MGUS can be explained more thoroughly than by just comparing prevalence by race. The concept of geographic hematology, introduced more than 40 years ago by Dr Bernard, recently has been used to focus attention on international studies of epidemiological and clinical features of many blood diseases.1Masera G Geographic hematology: an evolving concept [editorial].Haematologica. 2000; 85: 785-786PubMed Google Scholar, 2Young NS The epidemiology of blood diseases.in: Schechter GP Hoffman R Schrier SL Hematology 1999: American Society of Hematology Education Program Book. American Society of Hematology, Washington, DC1999: 58-63Google Scholar We recently reported the difference in clinical features between Japanese and German patients with refractory anemia.3Matsuda A Germing U Jinnai I et al.Difference in clinical features between Japanese and German patients with refractory anemia in myelodysplastic syndromes.Blood. 2005; 106 (Epub 2005 Jun 21.): 2633-2640Crossref PubMed Scopus (91) Google Scholar An important point to remember when comparing epidemiological or clinical studies internationally is that the validity of results depends on the methods for data collection, data analysis, and secure diagnosis, even using sophisticated molecular techniques. A common research method is needed to obtain accurate genetic and epidemiological measures. We appreciate the opportunity to discuss again geographic differences in the prevalence of MGUS. Genetic Predisposition for Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined SignificanceMayo Clinic ProceedingsVol. 83Issue 5PreviewTo the Editor: We read with interest the articles by Landgren et al,1 Iwanaga et al,2 and Munshi3 concerning geographic differences in the prevalence of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), which in turn raise questions about genetic factors that could predispose patients to its development. The condition was found to be more common in Ghanaians and less common in Japanese than in white Americans. Full-Text PDF