AMRITSAR: A galaxy of international genetic scientists were of the unanimous views that consanguineous marriages should be avoided as they contribute to high risk for genetic diseases. The major sufferings facing the humanity are the consequence of genetic ignorance.

Scientists suggested that genetic counseling and awareness about the genetic diseases should be provided to the couples and the youngsters. The rate of Cancer, Cardiovascular and Diabetes could be lessened with proper genetic counseling.
Scientists were here to participate in the 5th International Symposium on Genetic, Health and Disease being organized by the Department of Human Genetics and Centre for Genetic Disorders of the Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar on the theme of "OMICS IN THE 21ST CENTURY". 

A renowned world scientist Prof. J. Burn, Medical Director and Head, Institute of Human Genetics, International Centre for Life, Central Parkway, Newcastle Tyne, UK inaugurated this symposium. Prof. Dr. Karl Sperling, of Germany and Prof. Surendra Sharma of USA introduced the theme and shared their views with the participating august delegates. More than 400 delegates including 60 from 25 countries are participating in this international conference.
Prof. Burn in his address said the great challenge before the geneticists of the world is to improve the contribution of molecular diagnostics in complex traits.

World renowned scientist, Prof. Karl Sperling said that consanguineous marriages should be avoided as these contribute to high risk for genetic diseases. He said the major sufferings are the consequence of ignorance so the genetic counseling and knowledge about the diseases should be provided to the couples and the youngsters.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Jai Rup Singh said the "Omics Technologies have emerged viz Genomics, Transciptomics, Proteomics and Metabolomics are of great current interest.

Prof. GF De Stefano from Italy and Prof. J. Pedbury from USA in which six papers were presented by international geneticists, Prof. JF Pudbury (USA), Prof. Surendra Sharma (USA), Prof. I. Nippert (Germany), Prof. Satyamoorthy (India) and M. Macek Jr. (Czech Republic).

A distinguished Geneticist from Brown University, USA, Prof. Surendra Sharma speaking on Regulation of Pregnancy-Associated Disorders highlighted that pregnancy constitutes a major challenge to the maternal pathways of immune system, hormonal regulation, and fetal-maternal exchanges.

He said many pregnancy-associated complications occur due to inflammatory events at the maternal-fetal interface stemming from intrauterine infections, defective placentation, stress, and hormonal dysregulation.