Meta-Analyses of Human Genome Studies: Epigenetic Risk Factors and Population Health Issues in the World

Monday, 28 July 2014: 7:00 AM

Shyang-Yun Pamela K. Shiao, PhD, RN, FAAN
School of Nursing, Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, CA

Purpose: The purpose of this symposium is to disseminate current evidence on population genome health, through the meta-analyses of epigenetic risk factors, for population health.

The new discoveries in human genome sciences show that mutations in the genome of normal human cells can lead to the development of chronic diseases for oneself and future generations. Lifestyles have a major effect on the development of chronic diseases for oneself and future generations through epigenetics and methylation pathways. Western dietary habits cultivated under the modern industrial era may induce gene expression changes in key regulatory pathways and affect metabolic processes, which may play a mediating factor with ages in lifespan for the development of chronic diseases including cancer and cardiovascular syndromes.

Methods: Literature searches, quality scores, and inter-rater evaluation on data coding were completed to ensure data accuracy for pooled meta-analyses.

Results: The results of meta-analyses for various genes associated with cardiovascular health and cancer development including colorectal cancer and lung cancer, across populations for various race-ethnicity groups will be presented for mutation variations and epigenetics. Pollution indexes for past 10 years in the world will be associated with the gene mutations. Particulates matters (PM) smaller than 2.5 micrometers, PM2.5, can pass through lungs, leading to plaque deposits in cardiovascular systems causing systematic inflammation. Whereas, PM10are smaller than 10 micrometers, that can deposit in the pulmonary system causing pulmonary system inflammations. Both PM particles can cause health hazards. In addition, meta-analyses on lifestyles affecting methylation pathways for cancer and cardiovascular health with gene mutations for epigenetics, including dietary nutrient intake, smoking and alcohol intake will be summarized.

Conclusion: Goals for health behaviors will be explored with motivation activation through participants’ active learning and participation process.