Description

It was previously believed that heredity strictly follows Mendel's laws, but recent studies have found that through placental material exchange, mammals may transfer maternal immune-related factors vertically, thus promoting the protection of "non-heredited maternal antigenic traits". Thus, the transmission of reproductive information across generations is realized. Since the unusual genetic pattern of the X chromosome, grandmother's influence may be gender specific. Since grandchildren were usually took care by grandparents in China, it could be achievable to attach and recruit maternal grandmother together with mother and children. Cohort including three generations of women is rare in Asia at present. In the MGBIG, extensive information including demographic characteristics, lifestyle, history of diseases, mental health, and behaviors is collected from the participants. Longitudinal follow up and surveillance of common chronic diseases are also to be conducted. The MGBIG intends to recruit maternal grandmothers to study the effects of maternal genetic and environmental exposure on the health of their children and grandchildren.