Approved Research

Ketone bodies, Lp(a) and NAD - From genes to metabolites: Do they predict cardiovascular outcomes in the general population?

Lay summary

This research aims to explore factors that contribute to cardiovascular outcomes, such as heart failure, cardiac infarction, and cardiovascular-related death, in the general population. We will focus on three primary goals:

1. Our first aim is to examine the link between genetic variations, known as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), in ketone metabolism genes and cardiovascular outcomes. We will use a technique called Mendelian randomization to explore whether these genetic differences might play a causal role in heart-related conditions.
2. In our second aim, we will investigate the relationship between SNPs in genes related to the production of a molecule called NAD and cardiovascular outcomes. Similar to our first aim, we will use Mendelian randomization to determine if genetic variations in NAD-pathway genes could be causally linked to heart failure, acute coronary syndrome, and cardiovascular-related death.
3. Our third aim is to evaluate the usefulness of a specific blood marker, the Lp(a) isofrom size / Apo(a) Kringle IV type 2 transcribed peptide repeat, in predicting the risk of cardiovascular events. We hope to establish whether this marker can help identify people at a higher risk for heart-related issues.