Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40451792›Full record

ReviewEndocrine journal2025

Twin study method: Unlocking genetic and environmental interactions.

Mikio Watanabe

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Endocrine journal, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
4citing papers in PubMed, 1 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

4 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.

  1. Pooled it
  2. Article
  3. Review
  4. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

1 author.

Mikio WatanabeCenter for Twin Research, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Osaka, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5971-9296

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Twin studies offer a powerful approach for disentangling genetic and environmental influences on human traits. By comparing monozygotic twins with identical genetic makeup, researchers can more accurately identify the environmental contributions to phenotypic variation. Structural equation modeling provides a theoretical framework for estimating the relative contributions of additive genetic effects, shared environmental factors, and unique environmental influences. This model allows researchers to determine the most suitable parameters for explaining the observed data in twin populations. In addition, bioinformatic tools enable in-depth analyses of phenotypically discordant monozygotic twin pairs, helping to uncover both environmental sensitivities and genetic predispositions. This review examines the advantages and limitations of twin study methodologies in research on endocrine disorders, lipid metabolism, and thyroid function. Findings from twin cohorts have enhanced our understanding of heritability, environmental modifiers, and epigenetic factors, offering valuable insights into gene-environment interactions. Overall, twin studies remain critical tools in genetics, endocrinology, and obesity research. In the future, genetic information may enable the development of optimal personalized environments, ultimately providing valuable insights that contribute to physical, mental, and social well-being throughout the lifespan.

Indexed as

Gene-Environment InteractionTwin Studies as TopicEndocrine System DiseasesGenetic Predisposition to DiseaseHumansTwins, MonozygoticEnvironmental factorGenetic factorPhenotypeTraitTwin research

Identifiers

PMID40451792
PMCPMC12510787

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.