Abstract

FERMINO, Rogério C. et al. A quantitative genetic study about familial aggregation in body composition of portuguese nuclear families . Rev. Port. Cien. Desp. [online]. 2008, vol.8, n.1, pp.77-84. ISSN 1645-0523.

This study aims (1) to verify the indirect presence of vertical transmission of genetic factors between parents and offspring and (2) to estimate the contribution of the genetic factors in the variance of different phenotypes describing body composition. Sample size comprises 363 subjects from the 107 nuclear families participating in the project “FAMILIAS ACTIVAS”. Body composition phenotypes were measured with a bioelectric impedance device Tanita^® model BC-418MA.  PEDSTATS software was used to verify the structure of each family and to analyze the generic behavior of the phenotypes between the different members of the family. Familiar correlations and heritability estimates (h²) were computed in the FCOR and ASSOC modules of S.A.G.E. 5.3 software. Correlation coefficients between relatives were low to moderate (-0,04≤ r ≤0,65). Genetic factors explained between 35-46% of different body composition phenotypes. The largest contributions were related to total body fat (43%) and lean body mass (46%) These results showed an important familial aggregation in body composition values of Portuguese nuclear familiar samples.

Keywords : familial aggregation; heritability; body composition; Genetic Epidemiologic; nuclear families.

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