Division of Cardiovascular Genetics - Research and Grants

Research We Do:

CVG research funding includes grants from the NIH, private foundations and the pharmaceutical industry. Current research projects include:

1. Long-term changes in atherosclerosis (measured as carotid intimal-medial thickness, or CIMT, by ultrasound of the neck) in families with lipid disorders, and their relationships with major risk factors such as cholesterol, blood pressure, abnormal glucose, oxidation, etc.  

2. A global registry of patients with severely increased cholesterol (FH).  Over 50,000 heterozygotes from 35 countries have been identified and are eligible for participation in research studies and for referral for treatment.

3. Genetic linkage of lipids in large pedigrees selected for high risk of CHD. Over 500 genetic markers have been studied so far.

4. Genetic linkage of obesity and of thinness in large pedigrees.

5. Genetic linkage and association analyses of high blood pressure using sophisticated measurements such as ultrasound of the heart (echocardiogram). This is part of the NIH-sponsored NHLBI Family Blood Pressure Program, a collaboration of 20 universities to find genes for hypertension and cardiac size/function. Almost 400 linkage markers have been studied and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are now being measured.

6. Genetic association analyses of response of blood pressure to a low and high salt diet.

7. Genetic linkage of a large number of atherosclerosis risk factors in three-generation pedigrees. This is a multi-center study from the NIH called the NHLBI Family Heart Study. We are studying lipids, clotting factors, homocysteine, blood pressure, body fat, inflammation, and CIMT. Many subjects have returned seven years after initial visits for new measurements, including testing of calcium in the coronary arteries and aorta by CT scans.

8. The genetic epidemiology of aging as measured by changes in cardiovascular risk factors over 10 years of follow-up in members of large pedigrees. Almost 400 linkage markers have been genotyped on all subjects and SNPs are currently being pursued. 20-year follow-up of morbidity and mortality is also underway.

9. The morbidity and mortality associated with gastric bypass surgery (Roux-en-Y procedure) for weight loss is being evaluated in 400 severely obese surgical patients compared to 800 equally obese controls who did not have surgery. Metabolic rates, pulmonary function, ECG, echocardiography, treadmill tests, measurements of blood levels and body fat, sleep apnea, blood pressure, and other information is collected during an overnight stay in the clinical research center of the School of Medicine.

10. Genetic control of response to medications for lowering triglyceride levels.

11. Effects of estrogen replacement (low dose pill or patch vs placebo) on atherosclerosis and its risk factors in women just past menopause. This is a multicenter study called Kronos Early Estrogen Progestin Study (KEEPS) sponsored by a private foundation.

12. The composition and function of HDL (the good cholesterol) in patients with very high or low levels, and with or without atherosclerosis.

CVG also conducts multiple industry-sponsored projects testing the efficacy and safety of exciting new medications for the control of cholesterol and other major risk factors of atherosclerosis.