Approved Research

The interaction effects of environmental and genetic factors on cardiovascular and mental disorders

Lay summary

Cardiovascular and mental diseases account for a large proportion of the global disease burden. Epidemiological studies have reported a variety of risk factors for cardiovascular and mental diseases. However, the etiology remains unclear. Therefore, we aim to comprehensively examine the potential individual and joint effects of environmental factors, socioeconomic status, lifestyle, and genetic predisposition on cardiovascular and mental diseases. We expect to finish this project during 1.5 to 2 years. The results might provide suitable prediction indicators and prevention strategy to prevent and decrease the occurrence and disease burden of cardiovascular and mental disorders. This is of great public health significance to control cardiovascular and mental diseases, such as ischemic heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer's disease (and other dementias), cardiovascular and mental and so on.

Scope extension, June 2024:

Cardiovascular and mental diseases are the most leading diseases around world. The etiology is complex and remains unclear. Increasing evidence suggest the environmental, genetic, and socioeconomic status play an important role on these disease progress. Thusithe aims of this study include:
(1) to identify susceptibility factors for cardiovascular and mental disorders, and their dose-response relationship;
(2) to explore the relative strength of the association of environmental exposure, socioeconomic status, lifestyle, and genes with the phenotypes and outcomes of cardiovascular and mental disorders;
(3) to detect interaction among environmental exposure, genetic factors, socioeconomic status, and modifiable lifestyles on incident cardiovascular and mental diseases;
(4) to determine what extent healthy lifestyles can offset the increased risk of cardiovascular and mental diseases caused by environmental, genetic and socioeconomic status.
(5) to explore the relative strength of the association of environmental exposure with the respiratory diseases .