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Approved research

Evaluation of the causal relation between hematocrit, hemoglobin, HbA1c, testosterone and cardiovascular outcomes in the UK Biobank using Mendelian randomization analysis

Principal Investigator: Shiu Lun Ryan Au Yeung
Approved Research ID: 14864
Approval date: April 18th 2016

Lay summary

The aims of this study are to examine the causal effect of testosterone, HbA1c, hemoglobin and hematocrit on CVD risk factors, prevalent CVD and CVD deaths using Mendelian randomization analysis, with the relevant genetic variants as instruments in the UK Biobank. The proposed research will help investigate how these potential targets of intervention influence population health using Mendelian randomization design which is less susceptible to confounding than observational studies. The results will provide additional insights concerning the drivers of cardiovascular disease, with corresponding implications for public health policies and the development of interventions. We compare cardiovascular events and risk factors according to levels of genetically determined hematocrit, hemoglobin, HbA1c and testosterone. 500,000 participants (full cohort) for the analysis involving hematocrit, hemoglobin, HbA1c and genetic data. We will restrict the analysis involving testosterone and relevant genetic data among men.

Scope extension: The aim of this study are to examine the causal effect of testosterone and its related biomarkers, glycaemic traits, and blood cell type related attributes on health outcomes (include but not limited to cardiovascular diseases, cancers, endocrine and metabolic diseases, immune-related diseases and kidney functions), using different study designs in the UK Biobank.