The MGBIG is a study exploring cross-generational effects in 5000 women and their children and grandchildren located in Guangzhou, China. Its initial aim is to facilitate research on understanding the interplay between genes and environmental factors on disease etiology and on explaining the cause of the disease from the perspective of "grandmother-mother-child" heredity. Data are collected regarding environmental exposures, lifestyle, and social support on grandmother from birth to old age. Biological samples including blood and tissue samples are collected.
It was previously believed that heredity strictly follows Mendel's laws, but recent studies have found that through placental material exchange, mammals may transfer maternal immune-related factors vertically, thus promoting the protection of "non-heredited maternal antigenic traits". Thus, the transmission of reproductive information across generations is realized. Since the unusual genetic pattern of the X chromosome, grandmother's influence may be gender specific. Since grandchildren were usually took care by grandparents in China, it could be achievable to attach and recruit maternal grandmother together with mother and children. Cohort including three generations of women is rare in Asia at present. In the MGBIG, extensive information including demographic characteristics, lifestyle, history of diseases, mental health, and behaviors is collected from the participants. Longitudinal follow up and surveillance of common chronic diseases are also to be conducted. The MGBIG intends to recruit maternal grandmothers to study the effects of maternal genetic and environmental exposure on the health of their children and grandchildren.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
5,000
Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center
Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
RECRUITINGHaplotypes transfered by non-inherited maternal antigens from maternal grandmother to female offspring
Assessed by analyses of MHC haplotypes, HLA haplotypes, and levels of non-inherited maternal antigens of mother and offspring, and pregnancy complication of maternal grandmothers and mothers
Time frame: From the date of her daughter get pregnant until the date her grandchild/grandchildren is/are given birth
Serum levels of Inflammatory factors at grandchildren's birth and early neonatal life
Assessed by analyses of IL-1, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, etc.
Time frame: At the birth date of her grandchild/grandchildren, at the date 42 days after the birth of the certain grandchild/grandchildren
The prevalence of eczema of grandchildren
Assessed by self-reported time of onset and electronic medical record
Time frame: At the age of 6 weeks, 6 months, 1year, 3 years, 6 years, 12years and 18years of grandchildren
The incidence of asthma of grandchildren
Assessed by self-reported time of onset and electronic medical record
Time frame: At the age of 6 months, 1year, 3 years, 6 years, 12years and 18years of grandchildren
The prevalence of Allergic rhinitis of grandchildren
Assessed by self-reported time of onset and electronic medical record
Time frame: At the age of 6 months, 1year, 3 years, 6 years, 12years and 18years of grandchildren
The prevalence of Food allergy of children and grandchildren
Assessed by self-reported time of onset and electronic medical record
Time frame: At the age of 6 months, 1year, 3 years, 6 years, 12years and 18years of grandchildren
Changes of body composition of grandchildren
Body composition is assessed using Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry
Time frame: At age of 3 years,6 years, 12years and 18years
Changes of bone density of grandchildren
Bone density is assessed using Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry
Time frame: At age of 3 years,6 years, 12years and 18years
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