A world-wide consortium of researchers, including scientists from the Twin Research Unit at King’s College London, has identified 59 novel regions of the human genome that are involved in lipid metabolism. The concentrations of lipids, such as cholesterols, in the blood are the most important risk factors for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD).
This study represents the most comprehensive analysis to identify the biological underpinnings of lipoprotein metabolism. It aimed to find new biomarkers for lipid concentrations in the blood that can serve as indicators for an increased risk of developing CAD. These findings could provide the foundations for developing targeted drugs that suppress these key genes involved in metabolising the lipids, thereby preventing heart disease.
Men and women after menopause are at equal risk for developing CAD, which is currently the leading cause of death in the world, significantly impacting health, quality of life, and longevity. CAD develops when the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle narrow through a build-up of lipids such as cholesterol, allowing less blood to flow through the arteries. As a result, the heart muscle lacks the blood and oxygen it needs, which can lead to chest pain or a heart attack. An estimated 1.5 million men and 1.2 million women in the UK live with the disease.
The researchers analysed the genome-wide association results for serum lipids in more than 100,000 individuals of European ancestry. In total, they identified 95 regions of the human genome, which include regions previously identified in other studies and 59 novel regions, that play a role in lipid metabolism. The study also demonstrated that some of these genetic locations were shared by European and non-European populations, thereby making the findings relevant on a global scale.
Dr Massimo Mangino of the Department of Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology says: ‘This study represents a significant piece in the complex genetic jigsaw to understand the risks of developing Coronary Artery Disease. As this is the largest such study ever undertaken, with a sample that ensured international significance of the results, we are hopeful that it will provide a basis for further research into CAD biomarkers, and to enable new drugs to fight this dangerous condition.’
Notes to editors
Tanya M. Teslovich et al.: ‘Biological, clinical and population relevance of 95 loci for blood lipids’, Nature Volume 466 Number 7307. A copy of the paper is available on:http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v466/n7307/full/nature09270.html
Petersen S., Peto V. and Rayner M. Coronary heart disease statistics. British Heart Foundation: London; 2004; quoted from http://www.coronaryarterydisease.co.uk
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