Molecular Investigation of Genetic Factors in CArDiovascular Diseases Using an BIOresource of Healthy Volunteers

The risk of cardiovascular disease is determined by the complex interplay between an individual's genetic make-up, lifestyle, and the environment. We are investigating three potential genetic risk factors in this observational, cross-sectional, epidemiology pilot study to investigate if and how functional variants identified in large-scale genome wide association studies can explain a predisposition to cardiovascular disease. By determining the molecular mechanisms that are regulated at the EDNRA, PNPLA3 and PROCR CVD risk loci, we hope to translate findings from this study into the clinical setting for better diagnosis, prevention and treatment for patients suffering with cardiovascular disease. Volunteers will enter into one of the study's three arms based on their genotype: EDNRA locus (Arm 1), PNPLA3 locus (Arm 2), or PROCR locus (Arm 3).

Members of the Cambridge Bioresource who match for the target alleles will be invited to participate and will enter into one of the three study arms. All study assessment visits will take place at Addenbrooke's Hospital in collaboration with the University of Cambridge.

Volunteers will participate in the study for a maximum of 12 months and depending on study arm they are assigned to, they will complete procedures including a medical, demographic and lifestyle factors questionnaire; height, weight and body fat assessments; in addition to blood pressure/heart rate measurements. Minimally invasive procedures including forearm blood flow and venepuncture will be performed to assess the primary objectives of the study.

The hypothesis for arm 1 is that the genetic variant we are investigating at the EDNRA gene locus alters the function of the endothelin receptor A leading to an increased risk of coronary artery disease and large artery stroke.

For study arm 2, we hypothesize that the genetic variant we are investigating in PNPLA3 will increase the risk of Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease but reduce the risk of Coronary Heart Disease.

For study arm 3, we hypothesize that the genetic variant we are investigating in the PROCR locus triggers molecular events that potentially increase the risk of Venous Thrombosis/Venous Thromboembolism nut reducing blood pressure. Furthermore we aim to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects to see if there is an effect on explaining reduced risk of CHD.

This study is funded from the BHF Cambridge Center of Excellence and the Wellcome Trust Institutional Strategic Support Fund.


Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Volunteers are homozygous for:

  * Arm 1: The A-allele of rs6841581, they are assigned to the 'case' group. If they are homozygous for the G-allele, they are assigned to the 'control' group
  * Arm 2: The G-allele of rs738409, they are assigned to the 'case' group. If they are homozygous for the C-allele, they are assigned to the 'control' group
  * Arm 3: The G-allele of rs867186, they are assigned to the 'case' group. If they are homozygous for the A-allele, they are assigned to the 'control' group
* Volunteers are aged between 18-50 years old
* Volunteers have a BMI:

  * Arm 1: Between18.5-29.9
  * Arm 2: Between 25.0-39.9
  * Arm 3: Between 18.5-29.9
* Volunteers are willing not to consume products containing alcohol or caffeine 12 hours prior to procedures. Additionally, volunteers must agree to fast before procedures for:

  * Arm 1: At least 4 hours
  * Arm 2: At least 8 hours (for visit 2 only)
  * Arm 3: At least 4 hours
* Have given written informed consent to participate

Exclusion Criteria:

* Volunteers with chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, liver diseases, type 1 and type 2 diabetes autoimmune diseases and cancer
* Biological first-degree relatives (parents, brothers, sisters or children) who are or have suffered from one of the conditions described above
* Current smokers. Ex-smokers are suitable if they stopped smoking \>10 years ago
* Volunteers with a diagnosis of hypertension, or history of consistently high blood pressure readings, \>140/90 mmHg
* Volunteers with a diagnosis of hypercholesterolemia, or history of consistently high cholesterol levels, e.g. total cholesterol level \>6 mmol/l
* Volunteers have ≥3 alcoholic drinks per day