IN 1992 consultant rheumatologist Professor Tim Spector set up TwinsUK – a register of identical adult twins. The aim was to investigate the incidence of osteoporosis and other rheumatological diseases in a group of several hundred identical twins.

In the past 25 years the registry has grown to 12,000 identical and non-identical twins from all over the UK aged from 18 to 98 and the areas of research have also expanded.

The research carried out has enabled multiple collaborations with more the 60 groups worldwide and the publication of 600 research papers. The areas of research it has worked on include osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, melanoma, baldness, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome (a collection of symptoms increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes), the musculoskeletal system, ageing and sight.

By using the DNA profiles and clinical and questionnaire information, the researchers can compare similarities and differences between identical and non-identical twin pairs to investigate the importance of genetic and environmental influences in a wide range of common conditions such as osteoporosis, arthritis, diabetes and asthma.

This helps researcher to continue important work in search of genes for common conditions leading to advances in science, medicine and future potential therapies.

About 10 years ago grandmother Heather Kelly, who lives in Kempsey, and her non-identical twin (five minutes older) Rosemary Barry, who lives in London, decided to join the research project.

Heather, aged 74, said: “I am interested in research and I was quite keen to do it and so was my twin.”

Since becoming involved with TwinsUK she had discovered a great deal about her own health and body as well as contributing to important research which can create a better understanding of diseases and solutions.

Heather discovered she has osteoporosis and needs more calcium to support her bones, uric acid also tends to build up in her system which can cause gout and kidney stones. Her twin Rosemary also discovered she has a uric acid problem.

The pair make periodic trips to St Thomas’ Hospital, London, where samples such as blood, tissue, saliva, urine and stools are taken for investigation. Other test include hearing, sight and balance.

Heather said: “I would not have known I have trouble with my bones or uric acid otherwise. I would recommend any twins to do it. They want to recruit some more twins to take part. They find out about different illnesses and try to help find solutions for different diseases.”

“We have given 14 files of blood that went round the world. They sent it to labs around the world and they do different tests on it. There are cholesterol tests and blood pressure tests. I had a bone scan which discovered that my skeleton needed calcium.”

She also discovered through TwinsUK that eating lots of fruit and vegetables (to increase vitamin C intake) can slow the development of cataracts, which Heather already knew she had.

“We have had eyes and hearing tests and are told if they find anything is wrong. If you wanted to pay for these test it would cost quite a lot of money.”

TwinsUK is appealing for more twins to join this vital research work which is part of the Government-funded National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Bioresouce to help find the link between genes, the environment and common diseases.

During the study, volunteers have a full health assessment at St Thomas’ Hospital and receive a health report. Any useful health information that comes to light during the tests and investigations are given to the individual and their GP.

Heather said travel expenses to St Thomas’ Hospital are provided and in some cases, overnight accommodation, but those who don’t wish to travel can take part from home by providing samples and completing questionnaires.

TwinsUK says that without medical research there would be no new medicines or tests, improved treatments, or better ways of providing healthcare.

The project aims to help develop new treatments and medicines; prevent illness; improve quality of life; improve our understanding of medical conditions and understand the emotional and physical support people need when living with a medical condition.

For further information about registering for TwinsUk call the Department of Twin Research on 0207 188 5555 or email twinsuk@kcl.ac.uk

Any twins over the age of 18 are eligible. For more information visit http://www.twinsuk.ac.uk/