The burden of noncommunicable chronic diseases (NCDs) is rapidly increasing globally. As is well known, the occurrence and development of NCDs are influenced by a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, lifestyle, and clinical factors. Previous epidemiologic studies have linked the risk of NCDs to various factors like age, cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking, certain dietary components, environmental and occupational exposures. However, in many cases the causal nature of these associations and their underlying mechanisms are unclear. Additionally, it is also necessary to use genetic information to assess the causal nature of any association, and conduct comprehensive research identifying gene-environment interactions for NCDs.
Herein, we plan to utilize the UK Biobank database to carry out powerful prospective observational analyses, mediation analyses, genome-wide association studies, and phenome-wide association studies to investigate the impact and potential biological mechanisms of genetics and various exposure factors on the disease outcomes of interest, and test their interactions. In addition, by using mendelian randomization analyses, we aim to further reveal the potential causal effects or bidirectional causal relationships between risk factors and disease outcomes.
Our study will last for 36 months, during which we will focus on cancer, cardiovascular diseases, digestives, endocrine, and nervous system disorders, but we won’t limit the research to just these conditions. The results of this project will help us develop personalized prevention and treatment strategies for NCDs, reducing the occurrence of diseases and alleviating the huge medical and economic burden caused by NCDs.
