Endocrine Abstracts

Genetic association studies have been very successful and very reliable in many fields of medicine. Cross replication between studies now is the rule rather than the exception, which is very different from the situation a few years ago.

Nonetheless, there are still possible problems with association studies which need close attention. These problems include population stratification even in the days of whole genome data sets, inappropriate methods of analysis and finally over-interpretation of the data.

I will try to give an overview of theses chances and problems, highlighted by examples and will attempt a guide to the implementation and interpretation of association studies nowadays.