Candidate-gene analysis of white matter hyperintensities on neuroimaging.

ABSTRACT:

Background

White matter hyperintensities (WMH) are a common radiographic finding and may be a useful endophenotype for small vessel diseases. Given high heritability of WMH, we hypothesised that certain genotypes may predispose individuals to these lesions and consequently, to an increased risk of stroke, dementia and death. We performed a meta-analysis of studies investigating candidate genes and WMH to elucidate the genetic susceptibility to WMH and tested associated variants in a new independent WMH cohort. We assessed a causal relationship of WMH to methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR).

Methods

Database searches through March 2014 were undertaken and studies investigating candidate genes in WMH were assessed. Associated variants were tested in a new independent i

SUBMITTER: Tran T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4789815 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature