The aim of the project is to use the unprecedented power and richness of data in UK Biobank for exploring the relationship and underlying mechanisms between varied types of characteristics (drugs, socioeconomic status, lifestyles, biomarkers) and noncommunicable diseases (including Cardiovascular diseases, tumors, metabolic diseases et.al).
Numerous studies have linked different factors to the risk of noncommunicable diseases and the risk of death. Few studies have systematically assessed the underlying factors and specific biological mechanisms underlying the different outcomes of noncommunicable diseases at different stages. Meanwhile, few past studies have used genetic information to assess the causal nature of any association. Furthermore, the modifier, mediator, and underlying biological mechanisms of observation factors impact on health remain to be further explored.
To address these issues, we will use data from UK Biobank to conduct prospective observational analyses, mediation analyses, phenome-wide association analyses, genome-wide association analyses, mendelian randomization analyses, and metabolomics analyses. We anticipate that these analyses will: 1) characterise and compare the associations of observation factors with noncommunicable diseases; 2) check whether other characteristics (drugs, lifestyles, biomarkers) can modify or mediate the health effects of observation factors; 3) identify the causal effect of observation factors on health outcomes; and 4) reveal potential metabolic pathways and biological mechanisms whereby observation factors increase mortality and morbidity.
Knowledge gained about how observation factors impact noncommunicable diseases will provide insight into novel public health interventions and appropriate noncommunicable diseases standards to improve health and longevity.
