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Epidemiology
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Covariates and confounding in epidemiologic studies using metabolic gene polymorphisms
Article first published online: 30 APR 2002
DOI: 10.1002/ijc.10448
Copyright © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Additional Information
How to Cite
Taioli, E. and Garte, S. (2002), Covariates and confounding in epidemiologic studies using metabolic gene polymorphisms. Int. J. Cancer, 100: 97–100. doi: 10.1002/ijc.10448
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Fax: +39-2-55038207
Publication History
- Issue published online: 29 MAY 2002
- Article first published online: 30 APR 2002
- Manuscript Accepted: 19 MAR 2002
- Manuscript Revised: 12 MAR 2002
- Manuscript Received: 12 DEC 2001
Funded by
- European Commission Fund. Grant Number: 96/CAN/ 33919
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Keywords:
- biomarkers;
- confounders;
- data analysis;
- exposure-disease association;
- gene polymorphisms
Abstract
The relationship between exposure and disease when biomarkers are introduced in an epidemiologic study is explored and summarized. In molecular epidemiologic studies, biologic measurements play a major role as markers of exposure, disease or susceptibility to disease and/or exposure. In this scenario, the definition and management of confounding factors may change. Sometimes the presence or activation of the biomarker is partially caused by the relevant environmental exposure, and therefore the 2 variables (exposure and biomarker) should not be always treated as confounders of each other. Models of exposure-disease association in the presence of biologic markers are presented. The concept of confounders is reviewed in light of the role of biomarkers in the pathway between exposure and disease. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.