Infant Gender Selection & Personalized Medicine: Consumer's Guide

By Anne Hart

Personalized medicine is what this book is about-tailoring your lifestyle, food, medicines, treatments, and reproductive choices to your genetic signature. According to Dr. Andrew Y. Silverman, MD, PhD, "The desire to influence the sex of the next child is probably as old as recorded history."

"Gender selection is possible because of the way in which sex is determined by our chromosomes. Dr. Ericsson devised patented methods by which X and Y sperm can be separated through filtering processes. Sperm are "layered" over a column of human serum albumin, and they swim down the gradient where they are collected in the bottom layer.

"The fraction of sperm that contains the male (Y) bearing sperm is used for insemination if a boy is desired. It is effective 70?75% of the time.

"The fraction of sperm that contains the female (X) bearing sperm is used for insemination if a girl is desired. It is effective 70?72% of the time."

Use personalized medicine more effectively. Empower consumers by interpreting DNA testing and learning more about infant gender choice by genetics.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Aug 4, 2005
• ISBN: 9781462065202

Anne Hart

Popular author, writing educator, creativity enhancement specialist, and journalist, Anne Hart has written 82 published books (22 of them novels) including short stories, plays, and lyrics. She holds a graduate degree and is a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors and Mensa.

Book preview

Copyright © 2005 by Anne Hart

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

ASJA Press

an imprint of iUniverse, Inc.

iUniverse

2021 Pine Lake Road, Suite 100

Lincoln, NE 68512

www.iuniverse.com

1-800-Authors (1-800-288-4677)

ISBN-13: 978-1-4620-6520-2 (ebk)

ISBN-13: 978-0-5953-6539-5 (sc)

Contents

Chapter One

GENDER SELECTION

Chapter Two

Testing Your Genes for

Personalized Medicine

Chapter Three

DNA Testing for Nutritional

Genomics and Ancestry

Chapter Four

Nutritional Genomics

for the Consumer

Chapter Five

Consumer Surveillance and Pet Cloning

Chapter Six

Who Makes The Rules in

Nutritional Genomics?

Chapter Seven

Tailoring Nutrition to Your Genetic Signature

Chapter Eight

Consumers Can Use Genetic Tests to Identify At-Risk Relatives

Chapter Nine

Understanding HLA Genes (White Blood Cells) Tissue

Chapter Ten

Finnish Genes

Chapter Eleven

What’s the Consumer’s Watchdog Role?

Appendix A

Appendix B

Appendix C

Appendix D

Appendix E

Chapter One

GENDER SELECTION

BY:

ANDREW Y. SILVERMAN, MD, PhD

2 Overhill Road Suite 405

Scarsdale, N.Y. 10583

914-722-9300

http://www.gender-select.com

INTRODUCTION

The desire to influence the sex of the next child is probably as old as recorded history. In the pre-industrialized age, having another son meant that a family had an additional hand to help with manual labor. If an individual could plant and harvest more food than it consumed for survival, a family unit would amass a surplus of food that would help it to survive during the non-growing season, or during times of famine.

In times of war, males were also needed as soldiers to protect their families and their homes. In addition, if you were of royal lineage you needed a son to carry on the family name to subsequent generations. For these reasons, male children were the more desired sex throughout history.

In more modern times, in societies without any form of social security, males were needed for a very different reason. Once a young girl married, she joined the family of her husband, and her labor as well as any income that she earned became part of his family unit. Her aging parents were left to fend for themselves without the benefit of financial security during their old age. On the other hand, sons remained part of an extended family unit, and provided for their aging parents. Today, this is still the case in some societies.

More and more frequently, couples are seeking to select the sex of their next baby. They do so mainly for several reasons. Firstly, couples that have children of the same sex usually want to experience the joy of raising a child of the opposite sex. Secondly, couples that carry a sex-linked disease in their genetic history want to shield their future children from having this disorder.

Lastly, in my experience, women wish to have a daughter of their own, to develop a special mother to daughter relationship. This desire is expressed whether the woman had a good or a bad relationship with her own mother.

HOW IS THE GENDER OF A BABY DETERMINED?

Gender selection is possible because of the way in which sex is determined by our chromosomes. Our bodies are made up of billions of cells. All cells contain 46 rod-like forms arranged in pairs called chromosomes, except for the special reproductive cells (the sperm and egg cells) called gametes, each of which only possess 23 chromosomes.

During fertilization, the gametes combine and restore the normal chromosome number (46) in the embryo. One of these pairs of chromosomes defines the sex of the developing baby. This pair is called the sex chromosome. Each pair of sex chromosomes is made up of an X and Y chromosome, which define a male, or an X and X chromosome, which define a female. Eggs can only contain X chromosomes, but sperm contain either an X or a Y chromosome.

SEX-LINKED GENETIC DISEASES

Sex-linked genetic diseases include various muscular dystrophies such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, hemophilia, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and color blindness. They are called sex-linked diseases because there is an abnormal gene that is carried on the X chromosome.

A female is made up of two X chromosomes (one from her father and one from her mother). If she inherits one defective X chromosome, she will still be normal as long the second X chromosome is normal. Therefore it is very rare for a female to have a sex-linked disease because the normal X chromosome balances out the abnormal X chromosome. If she has one defective X-chromosome, instead of having the disease, she will be a carrier of this disease and possibly transmit it to her sons.

A male is made up of an X chromosome from his mother, and a Y chromosome from his father. If he inherits a defective X chromosome, he will have the disease because his normal Y chromosome cannot balance his abnormal X chromosome. Diseases linked to the Y chromosome are extremely rare. The best way to prevent transmission of a sex-linked disease is to undergo in vitro fertilization with preimplantation genetic diagnosis (IVF/PGD). This process allows the embryologist to screen the embryo for defects before it is transferred to the mother, and a pregnancy occurs.

AUTOSOMAL LINKED GENETIC DISEASES

In each normal human cell there are 23 pairs of chromosomes; one pair is the sex chromosome, and the remainders are called the autosomal chromosomes. These define a person's individual human traits. An autosomal linked genetic disease consists of either additions or deletions of any pair of autosomal chromosomes.

Using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) the embryologist is able to count the number of chromosomes commonly involved in abnormal syndromes such as Chromosome 21 or Chromosome 18. If an embryo shows any of these defects, it is not used for transfer to the uterus.

SINGLE GENE DEFECTS

Some disorders result when a mutation causes a single gene to be damaged or missing. Examples of this kind of disorder are Sickle-Cell Anemia, Tay-Sachs Disease, Thallasemia, Cystic Fibrosis and Down's Syndrome.

To diagnose some of these conditions, the DNA of the embryo is analyzed by chemically producing numerous copies of the suspected gene using the poly-merase chain reaction. Embryos that do not have the defect are used for uterine transfer. Not all genetic diseases can be screened, but the list is rapidly expanding.

PROVEN TECHNIQUES OF GENDER SELECTION THE ERICSSON METHOD

Scientists have known for many years that sperm carrying an X chromosome produce females and sperm carrying a Y chromosome produce males. In the early 70's, scientists discovered that sperm samples with high concentrations of either X or Y bearing sperm could be obtained.

In 1975, Ronald J. Ericsson, PhD began clinical studies to determine whether enriched sperm samples would result in offspring of a desired gender. The results were very encouraging and today this procedure is widely accepted by the scientific community. Currently, the Ericsson Method is used in approximately 50 centers in the United States and in many centers worldwide.

How does it work?

Dr. Ericsson devised patented methods by which X and Y sperm can be separated through filtering processes. Sperm are layered over a column of human serum albumin and they swim down the gradient where they are collected in the bottom layer.

The fraction of sperm that contain the male (Y) bearing sperm are used for insemination if a boy is desired. It is effective 70-75% of the time. The fraction of sperm that contain the female (X) bearing sperm are used for insemination if a girl is desired. It is effective 70-72% of the time.

Overall, approximately 70-75% of the couples participating in gender selection have a baby of their chosen gender. Over five thousand babies have been born using this method.

Publication:

In 2002, Dr. Silverman and Dr. Ericsson published a study in the journal, Human Reproduction, entitled Female Sex Selection Using Clomiphene Citrate and Albumin Separation of Sperm, which examined the effect of combining the Ericsson Method with Clomid. They demonstrated a 40% increase in the probability of having a girl when Clomid is given to patients selecting for a girl combined with sperm separation.

IVF/PGD GENDER SELECTION TECHNIQUE

After ovarian stimulation, eggs are removed from the mother. These eggs are fertilized in the laboratory with the father's Ericsson Method selected sperm via in vitro fertilization (IVF) technology. After cell division, the embryos are checked for their sex using preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). Only the embryos of the chosen gender are transferred back to the mother. The number transferred depends upon both medical and social factors. The decision of how many to transfer is individualized for each couple.

IN VITRO FERTILIZATION (IVF)

The term in vitro fertilization (IVF) literally means fertilization outside of the body. IVF is now routinely used to treat infertility caused by moderate to severe low sperm count, tubal disease and unexplained infertility.

In the IVF process, the female receives the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) by injection. FSH stimulates the recruitment and development of multiple eggs within the ovary. Egg maturity is monitored by the rise in serum estrogen levels, and by measuring follicular growth. FSH is administered until the eggs are mature, and then human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is administered 36 hours prior to egg retrieval.

The eggs are retrieved transvaginally (through the vagina) using a needle guided by ultrasound. The male provides a semen sample. This specimen is specially washed and prepared to inseminate the egg. The sperm is then layered on the eggs, and one sperm attaches to and penetrates the egg's membrane (zona pel-lucida) resulting in fertilization. The fertilized eggs develop into embryos.

The embryos are placed in an incubator and allowed to divide from 3 to 5 days. Where possible, 5-day-old embryos (blastocysts), are transferred to the mother's uterus. Attachment to the uterus results in a developing pregnancy.

When performing IVF for gender selection, the embryos are screened for their sex using preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). Only embryos of the desired sex will be transferred to the mother's uterus.

PREIMPLANTATION GENETIC DIAGNOSIS (PGD)

PGD is employed in conjunction with in vitro fertilization. Couples want to know the sex of their embryos before they are transferred into the mother's uterus, for various reasons. They may want to be sure that only the embryos of the desired sex are transferred to the mother, or if a couple has a high risk of transmitting a genetic disease, they may want to make sure they are excluding embryos that have abnormal chromosomes.

PGD enables the embryologist to biopsy the embryo and determine if a disease is present prior to selecting the embryo for transfer to the mother. Every cell in the embryo contains a copy of the genetic makeup of the entire person. PGD begins with an embryo biopsy.

A small hole is made in the egg membrane (zona pellucida) when the embryo has grown to 6-8 cells. One cell is removed from the embryo so that the chromosomes can be examined. Removal of one of these cells does not harm the developing embryo.

In order to check the sex of the embryo, and to exclude embryos that possess sex linked diseases, the cell is analyzed using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). FISH is a sophisticated genetic technique used to identify cells possessing chromosomal abnormalities. FISH is also used to identify the male and female embryos allowing the transfer only embryos of the desired sex. Identifying abnormal embryos can prevent the transfer of embryos with sex-linked diseases.

Since only embryos of the desired gender are transferred to the mother's uterus, PGD is extremely effective in determining the unborn offspring's sex.

WHICH GENDER SELECTION OPTION IS RIGHT FOR YOUR FAMILY?

The first step in your search for help with gender selection is to decide how important your next baby's sex is to you and your family. The Ericsson Method of Gender Selection increases your odds of having a child of your chosen gender. If you feel that you could not accept a child that may not be the sex that you wanted, then this technique is not for you.

Instead, you should consider the in vitro fertilization (IVF/PGD) gender selection technique since gender selection success rates using this technique approach a 100%. If you are at risk for a sex linked genetic disease, the IVF/PGD technique is more effective in preventing the transmission of this disease to your next child.

Gender Selection Success Rates

When couples ask us about success rates, they usually want to know what their chances are of delivering a healthy baby of the desired sex. Success rates depend upon many factors including which procedure is chosen, the couple's age, underlying medical conditions, etc.

Couples who are reproductively healthy have a greater chance of conceiving than those with underlying diseases, such as male factor infertility. Couples choosing the Ericsson Method of gender selection will undergo an intrauterine insemination cycle(s) of selected sperm.

In any given IUI cycle using unselected sperm when pregnancy occurs, there is a chance that a boy or girl will be conceived. The Ericsson method increases the probability that a boy or girl will be conceived based upon which sperm fraction (albumin separated) is chosen. Approximately 70-75% of the time a couple will have a baby of the selected gender. The percentage for a female offspring increases when Clomid is prescribed during the cycle of sperm separation.

Reproductively healthy couples have a 20-25% chance of conceiving in any given month where regular intercourse occurs. Those undergoing intrauterine insemination (IUI) with ovulation inducing medications generally have a 25-30% chance of becoming pregnant in any given cycle. Therefore, some couples will require more than one cycle, but most will become pregnant after three attempts. In general, Ericsson Method couples who undergo three cycles of IUI have a >80% of conceiving and a 70-75% chance of obtaining a child of the desired sex.

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis with IVF (IVF/PGD) yields a higher success rate of gender selection since only embryos of the chosen gender are transferred to the mother. Patients choosing PGD must undergo an in vitro fertilization cycle.

Approximately 38% of infertile couples undergoing IVF will conceive. This percentage is highly dependent upon several factors including female age, underlying disease(s), and previous treatments.

Couples undergoing IVF for gender selection, who are reproductively healthy, should exceed a 38% pregnancy rate. A major determinant of success is the age of the female patient and her ovarian reserve. All IVF patients receive injectable follicle stimulating hormone to cause the recruitment and development of multiple follicles.

PGD is performed on the embryos, and only those embryos of the appropriate sex are transferred to the mother. Sometimes it is also possible to freeze embryos for use in future non-stimulated cycles. If a reproductively healthy couple undergoes three cycles of IVF, they will conceive >80% of the time, and they will have a child of their chosen gender.

GENDER SELECTION COST

The goal of gender selection is to provide the highest quality treatment to each couple so that they may have a healthy baby of their chosen gender. Each couple must undergo an extensive consultation, which helps decide if they are appropriate candidates for the Ericsson Method or IVF/PGD.

The Ericsson Method requires intrauterine insemination (IUI) after sperm separation. This simple technique is offered at a reasonable price. The Ericsson Method of gender selection has been available for over 20 years, and there are over 5000 babies born throughout the world using this method. The success rate is between 70-75%, and has been constant over the years.

In vitro fertilization combined with preimplantation genetic diagnosis (IVF/PGD) entails the use of the latest advances in reproductive technology. While no method in science can be 100% effective this method approaches as close to 100% as possible. Once the sex of the embryos is determined, only embryos of the desired gender are transferred back to the mother. The cost to deliver advanced reproductive technology is considerably higher than The Ericsson Method. For further information on cost considerations, please contact

my office, and we will be happy to discuss them with you.

* * *

Curriculum Vitae and Publications of Dr. Andrew Y Silverman, MD, PhD.

Andrew Y. Silverman, MD, PhD DATE AND PLACE OF BIRTH: June 10, 1943—New York City, New York EDUCATION:

College: Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, A.B. 1961-1965

Medical School: S.U.N.Y. at Buffalo, School of Medicine,

Buffalo, New York, M.D.    ^1965-1972

Graduate School: S.U.N.Y. at Buffalo, School of Medicine,

Department of Microbiology, Buffalo, New York, Ph.D.    ^1966-1972

INTERNSHIP: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University

Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan    ^1972-1973

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE: National Cancer Institute, National

Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland    ^1973-1975

RESIDENT: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill

University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada    ^1975-1978

FELLOWSHIP: Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Texas    ^1978-1981

CERTIFICATION: Diplomat, National Board of Medical Examiners    ^1973

Diplomat, Licensure Medical Council Canada    ^1976 Diplomat, American Board of Obstetrics and

Gynecology    ^1983

The Society of Reproductive Surgeons    ^1993

LICENSED: Maryland, 1974; Quebec, Canada, 1976; Texas 1978; New York, 1984

HONORS:

Third Prize, Current Clinical and Basic Investigation, presented at the 27th Annual Meeting of The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1979 Selected as a participant of the Mead Johnson Perinatal and Development Medicine Symposium, Marco Island, Florida, December 2-6, 1979

APPOINTMENTS:

Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University

of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Texas    ^1978-1984

Chief of Gynecology, Audie Murphy Veterans Administration Hospital,

San Antonio, Texas    ^1979-1983

Director of Human In Vitro Fertilization, Department of Obstetrics and

Gynecology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San

Antonio, Texas    ^1981-1983

Clinical Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York

Medical College, Valhalla, New York    ^1985-

Medical Committee of Planned Parenthood of Westchester    ^1987-

Director of the Medical Committee of Planned Parenthood of

Hudson Peconic, Inc.    ^1994-2000

ORGANIZATIONS:

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Junior Fellow    ^1973-1983

Fellow    ^1984-

The American Society of Reproductive Medicine    ^1984-

American Association for the Advancement of Science    ^1981-1985

San Antonio Obstetrical and Gynecological Society    ^1982-1984

Bexar County Medical Society    ^1983-1984

The Endocrine Society    ^1983-1990

Westchester County Medical Society    ^1985-1987

New York County Medical Society    ^1987-1989

The Society of Reproductive Surgeons    ^1993-

AD HOC EDITOR:

Fertility and Sterility    ^1989-

International Journal of Gynecology    ^1981-

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS:

Westchester (County) Medical Center, Valhalla, New York    ^1985-

White Plains Hospital Center, White Plains, New York    ^1989

* * *

Andrew Y. Silverman, MD, PhD

PUBLICATIONS

Papers:

1.   Silverman, A.Y. and Boylan, J.W.: Further studies on renal glucose transport in Squalus acanthias: Effect of epinephrine. Bulletin of Mt. Desert Island Biological Laboratory, p. 36, 1966.

2.   Silverman, A.Y., Yagi, Y., Pressman, D., Ellison, R.R., and Tormey, D.C.: Monoclonal IgA & IgM in the serum of a single patient. (SC). III. Immuno-fluorescent identification of cells producing IgA & IgM. J. Immunology 110: 350, 1973.

3.   Watanabe, S., Silverman, A.Y., Yagi, Y. and Yamamura, Y.: Studies On membrane bound immunoglobulin of human lymphoid cell line. I. Proceeding of the IIIrd Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Immunology, p. 351, 1973.

4.   Silverman, A.Y.: Aspects of Immunoglobulin synthesis in human lymphoid cells established in culture. Ph.D. thesis, copyright 1975.

5.   Howk, R.S., Anisowica, A., Silverman, A.Y., Parks, WP. and Scolnick E.M.: Distribution of murine type B and type C viral nucleic acid sequences in template active and inactive chromatin. Cell 4:321, 1975.

6.   Silverman, A.Y., Artinian, B. and Sabin, M.: A case report of a serous cys-tadenofibroma of the fallopian tube. Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 130:593, 1978.

7.   Murphy, B.E.P. and Silverman, A.Y.: A comparison of glucocorticoid conjugates with other indices of fetal maturation. Obstet. Gynecol. 54: 35, 1978.

8.   Steger, R.W., Silverman, A.Y., Siler-Khodr, T.M. and Asch, R.H.: The effect of delta0-tetrahydrocannabinol on the positive and negative feedback control of luteinizing hormone release. Life Sciences 27: 1911, 1980.

9. Silverman, A.Y., Smith, C.G., Siler-Khodr, T.M. and Asch, R.H.: hCG Blocks the estrogen-induced LH release in long-term castrated Rhesus Monkeys: Evidence for an ultrashort-loop negative feedback. Fertil. Steril. 35:74, 1981.

10.Steger, R.W, Silverman, A.Y., Johns, A. and Asch, R.H.: Interaction Of cocaine and delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with the hypothalamic-hypophysial axis of the female rat. Fertil. Steril. 35: 567, 1981.

11.Steger, R.W., Silverman, A.Y., and Asch, R.H.: Glucocorticoid suppression of pituitary prolactin release in the non-human primate. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 53:1167, 1981.

12.Silverman, A.Y., Darnell, B.J., Montiel, M.M., Smith, C.G. and Asch, R.H.: Response of rhesus monkey lymphocytes to short-term administration ofTHC. Life Sci. 30:107-109, 1982.

13.Silverman, A.Y.: The success rate of in vitro fertilization: What can the patient expect? Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 144:360-361, 1982.

14.Silverman, A.Y. Schwartz, S.L. and Steger, R.W: A quantitative Difference between immunologically and biologically active prolactin in Hypothyroid patients. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 55:272-275, 1982.

15.   Herbert,    ^D.C. and Silverman, A.Y.: Topographical distribution of the gonadotrophs, mammotrophs, somatotrophs and thyrothrops in the pituitary gland of the baboon. Cell Tissue Res. 230:233-238, 1983.

16.   Cameron,    ^I.L., Lum, J.B., Nations, C., Asch, R.H. and Silverman, A.Y. assay for characterization of human follicular oocyte maturation inhibitor using Xenopus oocytes. Biol. Reprod. 28:817-822, 1983.

17.Steger, R.W., DePaolo, L.V., Asch, R.H. and Silverman, A.Y.: interactions of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with hypothalamic neurotransmit-ters controlling luteinizing hormone and prolactin release. Neuroendocrinology 37:361-370, 1983.

18.   Silverman, A.Y. and Greenberg, E.I.: Absence of a segment of the proximal portion of a fallopian tube. Obstet. Gynecol. 62 (Suppl): 908-918, 1983.

19.   Ellsworth,    ^L.R., Balmaceda, J.P., Schenken, R.S., Silverman, A.Y., Prihoda, T.J. and Asch, R.H.: Human chorionic gonadotropin and steroid concentrations in human follicular fluid in relation to follicular Size and oocyte maturity in stimulated ovarian cycles. Acta Europa Fertilitatis. 15, #5, 1984.

20.Silverman, A.Y., Renzin, S., Ratz, O., Back, F., Kaali, S.G. and Landesman, R.: Pregnancy obtained by in vitro fertilization in an ambulatory-care surgical facility. New York State J. of Medicine 85:654-655, 1985.

21.Silverman, A.Y., Stephens, S.R., Drouin, M.T., Zack, R.G., Osborne, J. And Ericsson, S.A.: Female sex selection using clomiphene citrate and Albumen separation of human sperm. Human Reproduction 17:no. 5, 1254-1256, 2002.

Chapters:

1.   Asch, R.H. and Silverman, A.Y.: Galactorrhea. In: The Gynecologic Patient: A Rational Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment. C.J. Pauerstein (ed.), Gruen & Stratton, Inc., New York. 1982 pp. 201-227.

2.   Pauerstein, C.J., Silverman, A.Y. and Eddy, C.A.: Ovum transport and implantation. In: In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer. Academic

Press, Inc., London, 1983, pp. 229-237.

* * *

Andrew Y. Silverman, MD., PhD. Abstracts:

1.   Silverman, A.Y. and Murphy, B.E.P: A comparison of glucocorticoid sulfates (GCS) with other indices of fetal maturation in amniotic fluid from a group of high-risk pregnancies. The 29th Annual Meeting of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, New York, March 21-April 5, 1979.

2.   Silverman, A.Y., Smith, C.G. and Asch, R.H.: Evidence for a LH ultra-short-loop negative feedback (USNF) in castrated rhesus monkeys. The 28th Annual Meeting of the Pacific Coast Fertility Society, Scottsdale, Arizona, October 15-19th, 1979.

3.   Silverman, A.Y., Steger, R.W, Schwartz, S.L. and Asch, R.H.: A difference of immunologically and biologically active prolactin in hypothyroid patients. The 29th Annual Meeting of the Pacific Coast Fertility Society, Rancho Mirage, California, October 14-18, 1981.

4.   Silverman, A.Y., Asch, R.H., Lum, J.B. and Cameron, I.L.: Presence Of human oocyte maturation inhibitor (OMI) in the follicular fluid from graffian follicles. The 30th Annual Meeting of the Pacific Coast Fertility Society, Scottsdale, Arizona, October 13.17, 1982.

5.   Steger, R.W., DePaola, L., Asch, R.H. and Silverman, A.Y.: hypothalamic mediation of the inhibitory affects of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

on steroid-induced gonadotropin surges. The 65th Annual Meeting of the Endocrine Society, San Antonio, Texas, June 8-10, 1983.

6.   Silverman, A.Y., Miller, J.P., DeLee, J.C. and Adams, N.D.: Amenorrhea and decreased bone density in an 18 year-old athlete. ACOG District VII Annual Meeting, Houston, Texas, October 2-5, 1983.

7.   Ellsworth, L.R., Balmaceda, J.P., Schenken, R.S., Silverman, A.Y. and Asch, R.H.: Human chrionic gonadotropin (hCG) and steroid concentrations in human preovulatory follicular fluid. The 31st Annual Meeting of the Society for Gynecologic Investigation. San Francisco, California, March 21-24, 1984.

Chapter Two

Testing Your Genes for

Personalized Medicine

This book is meant to empower the general consumer with knowledge about infant gender selection, personalized medicine, DNA testing for predisposition to diseases, risk, or for deep maternal and paternal ancestry when written records are absent. It's also about matching your foods, medicines, treatments, cosmetics, and lifestyles to your individual genetic signature. And it explores how or whether different drugs and dosages or even foods, affect different races or ethnicities. Where are the newest trends pointing?

At home-genetic testing needs watchdogs, Web sites, and guidebooks to interpret test results in plain language for those with no science background. Online, you'll find genetic tests for ancestry or for familial (genetic, inherited) disease risks.

What helpful suggestions do general consumers with no science background need to consider? What's new in medical marketing is genetic testing online for predisposition to diseases—such as breast cancer or blood conditions. Kits usually are sent directly to the consumer who returns a mouthwash or swab DNA sample by mail.

What type of training do healthcare teams need in order to interpret the results of these tests to consumers? Once you receive the results of online genetic testing kits, how do you interpret it? If your personal physician isn't yet trained to interpret the results of online genetic tests, how can you find a healthcare professional that is trained?

If you're more interested in genetic testing for ancestry, do you go to a genealogist or to a geneticist to interpret the results? What if your interest is in genetic testing for disease risks? Do you go to a physician, a nutritionist, a genetics counselor, or a geneticist to find out how certain foods, medicines, dosages, or other products affect your individual genetic expression?

Online firms increasingly market tests that reveal predisposition to diseases. They show risk rather than a sentence that you'll get the disease. Some of these genetic tests offered online show predisposition to breast cancer, blood clotting, or other genetic tendencies. Each day, there's another genetic discovery ranging from varying the dosages of medicines according to one's ethnicity or race mixture to examining the effects of certain foods on certain peoples based on genetic test results. One example would be lactose intolerance—inability to digest milk without symptoms.

Since the human genome code was cracked in the year 2000, scientists have been publishing the results of genetic research, including maps of human, animal, and plant genes.