Twins Born in Guangzhou Cohort Study

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying twins born in Guangzhou, China, to better understand how genes and environmental factors interact in the development of diseases. This observational twin birth cohort study focuses on the Chinese population and aims to explore genetic, epigenetic, and environmental influences on health, including physical traits, mental health, behaviors, and common diseases. Twins provide a unique way to control for age, gender, genetics, and early environment when researching chronic diseases. The study involves twins who share either one zygote (identical twins) or two different zygotes (dizygotic twins), with no interventions applied. Data and biological samples such as blood and tissue are collected from both twins and their parents. The study follows the twins from birth until 18 years old, collecting extensive information and conducting longitudinal follow-ups to monitor health status and disease development. Participants and their families provide information on environmental exposures, lifestyle, and family background. Researchers assess neurodevelopment at age 1, intelligence quotient at age 6, and changes in gene expression at ages 1, 6, 12, and 18 years. They also monitor intestinal flora, body composition, bone density, height, and weight from birth to 18 years. The study includes regular evaluations and aims to build a comprehensive database on the heritability and gene-environment interactions of traits in Chinese twins.

Twins Born in Guangzhou