Linkage analysis of systolic blood pressure: a score statistic and computer implementation
2003

Linkage Analysis of Systolic Blood Pressure

publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Wang Kai, Peng Yingwei

Primary Institution: The University of Iowa

Hypothesis

Can a score statistic effectively map quantitative trait loci (QTLs) influencing systolic blood pressure using sibship data?

Conclusion

The study found no significant linkage signal for systolic blood pressure, although two markers had p-values close to 0.01.

Supporting Evidence

  • The score statistic is straightforward to calculate and was applied to map QTLs influencing systolic blood pressure.
  • Two markers had p-values smaller than 0.01, indicating potential linkage.
  • The analysis was limited by not adjusting for age and gender, which could affect blood pressure.

Takeaway

The researchers tried to find genes that affect blood pressure but didn't find strong evidence for any. They used a special method to analyze family data.

Methodology

A genome-wide linkage analysis was conducted using a score statistic applied to sibship data derived from simulated data.

Potential Biases

The use of sibship data instead of general pedigrees may reduce the power to detect linkage.

Limitations

The analysis may have been limited by not considering the effects of age and gender on blood pressure.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p-value < 0.01 for two markers

Statistical Significance

p<0.01

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2156-4-S1-S77

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