A family study in Oman: large, consanguineous, polygamous Omani Arab pedigrees.
OBJECTIVE
To establish a suitable human model for the study of the genetics of complex diseases.


METHODS
We have selected an Omani Arab population to provide the statistical power required to study the genetics of complex diseases with confidence. This model consists of five multigenerational highly inbred pedigrees, descending from a small number of founders just a few generations ago with environmental homogeneity, restricted geographical distribution, detailed records and well-ascertained and -validated pedigrees. Stringent criteria were adopted for defining the phenotypes of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemias and obesity. The SOLAR genetic software package was used to draw the pedigree structure.


RESULTS
Outstanding statistical power to detect susceptibility loci was obtained.


CONCLUSIONS
This model represents a large homogeneous human family-based population for the study of genetic and environmental factors contributing to complex diseases.
Hassan
M O
MO
College of Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. mhassan@squ.edu.om
Albarwani
S
S
Al Yahyaee
S
S
Al Haddabi
S
S
Rizwi
S
S
Jaffer
A
A
Al-Lawati
J
J
Cai
G
G
Comuzzie
Anthony G
AG
Bayoumi
R A
RA
D003241:Consanguinity; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000235:genetics; D004777:Environment; D030342:Genetic Diseases, Inborn; D005828:Genetics, Population; D006801:Humans; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000235:genetics; D006973:Hypertension / Q000235:genetics; D008393:Marriage; D008957:Models, Genetic; D009765:Obesity / Q000235:genetics; D009850:Oman; D010375:Pedigree; D010641:Phenotype