Isfahan twin cohort: A ten years’ longitudinal prospective study based on a twin registry

Abstract

Background and Aims : Given the complex etiology of non-communicable diseases(NCD) , an understanding of the origins of NCD requires an in-depth analysis of the interplay between genetic variation and environment, preferably over time. For decades, twin studies have played a key role in understanding such traits. Their strength lies in the ability to disentangle genetic and environmental factors that contribute to a phenotype. This is done by comparing genetically identical monozygotic (MZ) with dizygotic twins, who share on average 50% of genetic variation, or by comparing MZ twins within a pair.