Abstract
BackgroundThe objective was to estimate the heritability for height and weight during fetal life and early childhood in two independent studies, one including parent and singleton offsprings and one of mono- and dizygotic twins.MethodsThis study was embedded in the Generation R Study (n = 3407, singletons) and the Netherlands Twin Register (n = 33694, twins). For the heritability estimates in Generation R, regression models as proposed by Galton were used. In the Twin Register we used genetic structural equation modelling. Parental height and weight were measured and fetal growth characteristics (femur length and estimated fetal weight) were measured by ultrasounds in 2nd and 3rd trimester (Generation R only). Height and weight were assessed at multiple time-points from birth to 36 months in both studies.ResultsHeritability estimates for length increased from 2nd to 3rd trimester from 13% to 28%. At birth, heritability estimates for length in singletons and twins were both 26% and 27%, respectively, and at 36 months, the estimates for height were 63% and 72%, respectively. Heritability estimates for fetal weight increased from 2nd to 3rd trimester from 17% to 27%. For birth weight, heritability estimates were 26% in singletons and 29% in twins. At 36 months, the estimate for twins was 71% and higher than for singletons (42%).ConclusionsHeritability estimates for height and weight increase from second trimester to infancy. This increase in heritability is observed in singletons and twins. Longer follow-up studies are needed to examine how the heritability develops in later childhood and puberty.
Highlights
Heritability is the proportion of variability of a phenotype that can be explained by polymorphic genes
A previous study demonstrated that heritability of birth weight decreased between 25 and 42 weeks of gestation from 52% to 30% [17]
These findings suggest that the genetic contribution to growth should decrease from second trimester until birth, when maternal-uterine factors are more dominant, and increase from birth to adulthood
Summary
Heritability is the proportion of variability of a phenotype that can be explained by polymorphic genes. Galton suggested that the heritability of height can be estimated by regressing the height of offspring against the mid-parental height [7]. A previous study demonstrated that heritability of birth weight decreased between 25 and 42 weeks of gestation from 52% to 30% [17]. These findings suggest that the genetic contribution to growth should decrease from second trimester until birth, when maternal-uterine factors are more dominant, and increase from birth to adulthood. The objective was to estimate the heritability for height and weight during fetal life and early childhood in two independent studies, one including parent and singleton offsprings and one of mono- and dizygotic twins
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
