Health disparities in genomics and genetics.

Ida J Spruill,Yolanda Powell-Young,Willa Doswell,Irma B Ancheta,Jacquelyn Taylor,Adebowale A Adeyemo

doi:10.1155/2014/324327

Abstract

Disparities or inequities in health refer to sociodemographic group differences in the distribution of disease, health outcomes, or access to health care [1]. In order to eliminate health disparities, more efforts are needed to address social issues directly contributing to the healthy inequities observed across racial and ethnic groups. With broad support from many federal agencies, alleviating health disparities in the United States remains a goal of Healthy People 2010 [2]. However, genetic research also has a significant role to play in alleviating and understanding disparities. With tremendous advances in technology and increased investigation into human genetic variations, genomics is poised to play a valuable role in bolstering efforts to find new treatments and preventions for chronic conditions that disparately affect certain ethnic groups. The recent statement regarding the future of genomics from the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) [3] indicated that the need to develop genome-based tools to address health disparities remains a “grand challenge”. The statement acknowledges that social and economic factors contribute significantly to disparities but nevertheless assert the need for extensive research to better understand the contribution of genetics.

Highlights

The resounding success of the human genome project (HGP), international hap map project, and the 1000 genomes project has brought clinical translation closer than ever
We present five promising studies conducted by nurse scientists focused on understanding the genetic underpinnings of diseases such as epigenetic markers of renal function in African Americans and the association between KIF6 single nucleotides in Filipino women
Other studies reported on participation of African Americans into research, attitudes toward genetic testing for hypertension, and, lastly, the role of epigenetics in health disparity among Native Americans

Summary

Introduction

The resounding success of the human genome project (HGP), international hap map project, and the 1000 genomes project has brought clinical translation closer than ever. We present five promising studies conducted by nurse scientists focused on understanding the genetic underpinnings of diseases such as epigenetic markers of renal function in African Americans and the association between KIF6 single nucleotides in Filipino women. Other studies reported on participation of African Americans into research, attitudes toward genetic testing for hypertension, and, lastly, the role of epigenetics in health disparity among Native Americans.

Results

Conclusion