Reporting Genetic Association Studies: The Roadblocks and Guiding Rules for Robust Results

Abstract

Congratulations to Dr. Birbian and colleagues for their article ‘‘GSTT1 and GSTM1 Gene Polymorphisms as Major Risk Factors for Asthma in a North Indian Population’’ [1]. Theirs was the first published study on GSTT1 and GSTM1 genetic polymorphisms in a north Indian population using a case–control design. The study was carried out on a good sample size and a number of conclusions were drawn. However, we felt that the authors should have followed the international guidelines for reporting genetic association studies (STREGA) [2] to add lasting value to their findings. Case–control association studies are valiant way to detect associations in a resource-limited setting, but in reporting the results of such studies there are several roadblocks that must be cleared and addressed before arriving at robust and useful conclusions. The ultimate goal of all such studies is to arrive at very futuristic individualized medicine and an immunotherapeutic approach to disease. Transparency and accuracy of the reported results of medical research must be ensured to enhance the value of such studies. The formation of the STrengthening the REporting of Genetic Association (STREGA) studies guidelines was a significant step in that direction; they were published in many journals simultaneously [2]. There are a number of considerations but three of the most important that have been shown time and again to be of great value are as follows: