Researchers in the UK and the United States have identified several key regions of the human genome that may indicate an increased risk of developing coronary heart disease. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death worldwide for both men and women over age 55.
Due to genetic and environmental factors such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, diet, stress and diabetes, the miniscule vessels that provide the heart with a vital supply of blood begin to narrow from an accumulation of fats and lipids, such as cholesterol. In such cases, the heart can be deprived of blood and oxygen, causing chest pain, heart attacks and even death.
Researchers identified approximately 59 regions of the human genome involved in lipid metabolism, which monitors the metabolism and conversion of carbohydrates to fats. A high concentration of lipids in the bloodstream increases one’s risk of developing CAD. Certain variations in the recently-discovered biomarkers can also indicate one’s risk for the disease.
Although nearly 100 biomarkers have been previously found, researchers are excited by these findings as they apply to populations worldwide. In the study, nearly 100,000 individuals of European descent had their serum lipids analyzed.
The blood serum was analyzed for levels of total cholesterol, HDL (high-density lipoproteins, or “good cholesterol,” which remove cholesterol from arteries and transport it to the liver so that it may be carried out of the body), LDL (low-density lipoproteins, or “bad cholesterol,” which tend to promote cardiac issues) and triglycerides.
A fair portion of the biomarkers indicating risk of CAD in these individuals were identical for both those of European and non-European ancestry.
Furthermore, the researchers found an association between biomarkers and CAD that had not been previously established. They identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are located near biomarkers known to regulate lipid production (these are known as CYP7A1, NPC1L1 and SCARB1).
Individuals whose genomes contain with certain biomarkers are more likely to develop the disease. Researchers hope to improve pharmaceutical treatments that prevent the development of CAD in individuals with these biomarkers.
The research was done by scientists working together in the US and UK, and the results were published in Nature.
