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

Terminated
Conditions
Cardiovascular Diseases
Interventions
Other: Eligibility and lifestyle restrictions check.
Other: Medical history, demographic and lifestyle factors
Other: Blood pressure and heart rate
Other: Blood biochemistry (PNPLA3)
Other: Blood EPCR function (PROCR)
Other: Baseline Venepuncture (PNPLA3, Visit 1)
Other: Blood platelet coagulation and function (PROCR)
Other: Deuterium water - Loading dose 1 (PNPLA3, Visit 1)
Other: Blood endothelial permeability (PROCR)
Other: Deuterium water - Loading dose 2 (PNPLA3, Visit 1)
Other: Blood leukocyte-endothelium adhesion (PROCR)
Other: Energy-balanced dinner (PNPLA3, Visit 1)
Other: Venepuncture (PROCR)
Other: Fasting venepuncture (PNPLA3, Visit 2)
Other: Deuterium water - Maintenance dose (PNPLA3, Visit 2)
Other: Consumption of high carbohydrate meal (PNPLA3, Visit 2)
Other: Postprandial Venepuncture (PNPLA3, Visit 2)
Registration Number
NCT03038750
Lead Sponsor
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Brief Summary

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.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
TERMINATED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
74
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

Study & Design

Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Study Design
Not specified
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
EDNRA Sub-studyEligibility and lifestyle restrictions check.Study population will be split into two groups defined by the allele of EDNRA the participant possesses: Participants Homozygous for the A-allele of EDNRA, are assigned to the 'case' group. Participants that are Homozygous for the G-allele will be assigned to the 'control' group. 20 participants will be recruited to each group, 40 in total.
PNPLA3 Sub-studyDeuterium water - Loading dose 2 (PNPLA3, Visit 1)Study population will be split into two groups defined by the allele of PNPLA3 the participant possesses: Participants Homozygous for the G-allele of PNPLA3, are assigned to the 'case' group. Participants that are Homozygous for the C-allele of PNPLA3 will be assigned to the 'control' group. 60 participants will be recruited to each group, 120 in total.
PNPLA3 Sub-studyFasting venepuncture (PNPLA3, Visit 2)Study population will be split into two groups defined by the allele of PNPLA3 the participant possesses: Participants Homozygous for the G-allele of PNPLA3, are assigned to the 'case' group. Participants that are Homozygous for the C-allele of PNPLA3 will be assigned to the 'control' group. 60 participants will be recruited to each group, 120 in total.
PROCR Sub-studyEligibility and lifestyle restrictions check.Study population will be split into two groups defined by the allele of PROCR the participant possesses: Participants Homozygous for the G-allele of PROCR, are assigned to the 'case' group. Participants that are Homozygous for the A-allele of PROCR will be assigned to the 'control' group. 30 participants will be recruited to each group, 60 in total.
PROCR Sub-studyBlood pressure and heart rateStudy population will be split into two groups defined by the allele of PROCR the participant possesses: Participants Homozygous for the G-allele of PROCR, are assigned to the 'case' group. Participants that are Homozygous for the A-allele of PROCR will be assigned to the 'control' group. 30 participants will be recruited to each group, 60 in total.
PNPLA3 Sub-studyEligibility and lifestyle restrictions check.Study population will be split into two groups defined by the allele of PNPLA3 the participant possesses: Participants Homozygous for the G-allele of PNPLA3, are assigned to the 'case' group. Participants that are Homozygous for the C-allele of PNPLA3 will be assigned to the 'control' group. 60 participants will be recruited to each group, 120 in total.
PNPLA3 Sub-studyEnergy-balanced dinner (PNPLA3, Visit 1)Study population will be split into two groups defined by the allele of PNPLA3 the participant possesses: Participants Homozygous for the G-allele of PNPLA3, are assigned to the 'case' group. Participants that are Homozygous for the C-allele of PNPLA3 will be assigned to the 'control' group. 60 participants will be recruited to each group, 120 in total.
EDNRA Sub-studyMedical history, demographic and lifestyle factorsStudy population will be split into two groups defined by the allele of EDNRA the participant possesses: Participants Homozygous for the A-allele of EDNRA, are assigned to the 'case' group. Participants that are Homozygous for the G-allele will be assigned to the 'control' group. 20 participants will be recruited to each group, 40 in total.
PNPLA3 Sub-studyMedical history, demographic and lifestyle factorsStudy population will be split into two groups defined by the allele of PNPLA3 the participant possesses: Participants Homozygous for the G-allele of PNPLA3, are assigned to the 'case' group. Participants that are Homozygous for the C-allele of PNPLA3 will be assigned to the 'control' group. 60 participants will be recruited to each group, 120 in total.
EDNRA Sub-studyBlood pressure and heart rateStudy population will be split into two groups defined by the allele of EDNRA the participant possesses: Participants Homozygous for the A-allele of EDNRA, are assigned to the 'case' group. Participants that are Homozygous for the G-allele will be assigned to the 'control' group. 20 participants will be recruited to each group, 40 in total.
PNPLA3 Sub-studyBlood biochemistry (PNPLA3)Study population will be split into two groups defined by the allele of PNPLA3 the participant possesses: Participants Homozygous for the G-allele of PNPLA3, are assigned to the 'case' group. Participants that are Homozygous for the C-allele of PNPLA3 will be assigned to the 'control' group. 60 participants will be recruited to each group, 120 in total.
PNPLA3 Sub-studyPostprandial Venepuncture (PNPLA3, Visit 2)Study population will be split into two groups defined by the allele of PNPLA3 the participant possesses: Participants Homozygous for the G-allele of PNPLA3, are assigned to the 'case' group. Participants that are Homozygous for the C-allele of PNPLA3 will be assigned to the 'control' group. 60 participants will be recruited to each group, 120 in total.
PNPLA3 Sub-studyBaseline Venepuncture (PNPLA3, Visit 1)Study population will be split into two groups defined by the allele of PNPLA3 the participant possesses: Participants Homozygous for the G-allele of PNPLA3, are assigned to the 'case' group. Participants that are Homozygous for the C-allele of PNPLA3 will be assigned to the 'control' group. 60 participants will be recruited to each group, 120 in total.
PNPLA3 Sub-studyDeuterium water - Maintenance dose (PNPLA3, Visit 2)Study population will be split into two groups defined by the allele of PNPLA3 the participant possesses: Participants Homozygous for the G-allele of PNPLA3, are assigned to the 'case' group. Participants that are Homozygous for the C-allele of PNPLA3 will be assigned to the 'control' group. 60 participants will be recruited to each group, 120 in total.
PNPLA3 Sub-studyConsumption of high carbohydrate meal (PNPLA3, Visit 2)Study population will be split into two groups defined by the allele of PNPLA3 the participant possesses: Participants Homozygous for the G-allele of PNPLA3, are assigned to the 'case' group. Participants that are Homozygous for the C-allele of PNPLA3 will be assigned to the 'control' group. 60 participants will be recruited to each group, 120 in total.
PROCR Sub-studyBlood leukocyte-endothelium adhesion (PROCR)Study population will be split into two groups defined by the allele of PROCR the participant possesses: Participants Homozygous for the G-allele of PROCR, are assigned to the 'case' group. Participants that are Homozygous for the A-allele of PROCR will be assigned to the 'control' group. 30 participants will be recruited to each group, 60 in total.
PNPLA3 Sub-studyBlood pressure and heart rateStudy population will be split into two groups defined by the allele of PNPLA3 the participant possesses: Participants Homozygous for the G-allele of PNPLA3, are assigned to the 'case' group. Participants that are Homozygous for the C-allele of PNPLA3 will be assigned to the 'control' group. 60 participants will be recruited to each group, 120 in total.
PNPLA3 Sub-studyDeuterium water - Loading dose 1 (PNPLA3, Visit 1)Study population will be split into two groups defined by the allele of PNPLA3 the participant possesses: Participants Homozygous for the G-allele of PNPLA3, are assigned to the 'case' group. Participants that are Homozygous for the C-allele of PNPLA3 will be assigned to the 'control' group. 60 participants will be recruited to each group, 120 in total.
PROCR Sub-studyMedical history, demographic and lifestyle factorsStudy population will be split into two groups defined by the allele of PROCR the participant possesses: Participants Homozygous for the G-allele of PROCR, are assigned to the 'case' group. Participants that are Homozygous for the A-allele of PROCR will be assigned to the 'control' group. 30 participants will be recruited to each group, 60 in total.
PROCR Sub-studyBlood EPCR function (PROCR)Study population will be split into two groups defined by the allele of PROCR the participant possesses: Participants Homozygous for the G-allele of PROCR, are assigned to the 'case' group. Participants that are Homozygous for the A-allele of PROCR will be assigned to the 'control' group. 30 participants will be recruited to each group, 60 in total.
PROCR Sub-studyBlood platelet coagulation and function (PROCR)Study population will be split into two groups defined by the allele of PROCR the participant possesses: Participants Homozygous for the G-allele of PROCR, are assigned to the 'case' group. Participants that are Homozygous for the A-allele of PROCR will be assigned to the 'control' group. 30 participants will be recruited to each group, 60 in total.
PROCR Sub-studyBlood endothelial permeability (PROCR)Study population will be split into two groups defined by the allele of PROCR the participant possesses: Participants Homozygous for the G-allele of PROCR, are assigned to the 'case' group. Participants that are Homozygous for the A-allele of PROCR will be assigned to the 'control' group. 30 participants will be recruited to each group, 60 in total.
PROCR Sub-studyVenepuncture (PROCR)Study population will be split into two groups defined by the allele of PROCR the participant possesses: Participants Homozygous for the G-allele of PROCR, are assigned to the 'case' group. Participants that are Homozygous for the A-allele of PROCR will be assigned to the 'control' group. 30 participants will be recruited to each group, 60 in total.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
EPCR levels/shedding2 years

Arm 3 specific measurement comparing results between case vs control groups.

Platelet aggregation/function2 years

Arm 3 specific measurement to be measured by platelet coagulation function assay comparing results between case vs control groups.

Endothelial permeability2 years

Arm 3 specific measurement to be measured by an endothelial permeability assay comparing results between case vs control groups.

Forearm Blood Flow (Arterial contractility)2 years

Arm 1 specific measurement to be measured using venous occlusion plethysmography. Outcome measure will compare results between case vs control groups.

Blood Biochemistry (Lipoprotein composition/dynamics)2 years

Arm 2 specific measurement collectively comparing the lipid dynamic results between case vs control groups.

Leukocyte-endothelium adhesion2 years

Arm 3 specific measurement to be measured by a leukocyte-endothelium adhesion assay comparing results between case vs control groups.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Blood pressure2 years

All study arms comparing results between case vs control groups.

Heart rate2 years

All study arms comparing results between case vs control groups.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Department of Public Health and Primary Care

🇬🇧

Cambridge, United Kingdom

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