Linkage study of fibrinogen levels: the Strong Heart Family Study
2008

Linkage Study of Fibrinogen Levels in American Indians

Sample size: 3535 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Best Lyle G, North Kari E, Li Xia, Palmieri Vittorio, Umans Jason G, MacCluer Jean, Laston Sandy, Haack Karin, Goring Harald, Diego Vincent P, Almasy Laura, Lee Elisa T, Tracy Russell P, Cole Shelley

Hypothesis

The study investigates the genetic determinants of fibrinogen levels in a minority population with a high prevalence of cardiovascular disease.

Conclusion

The study found strong evidence for a novel genetic determinant of fibrinogen levels on chromosome 7 at 28 cM in a minority population.

Supporting Evidence

  • Fibrinogen levels are associated with risk of thrombosis and inflammation.
  • Previous studies have shown that fibrinogen can predict cardiovascular disease events.
  • Genome-wide linkage studies of fibrinogen are uncommon but have identified suggestive quantitative trait loci.

Takeaway

Researchers looked at how genes affect fibrinogen levels, which are important for heart health, in American Indians. They found a new gene that seems to play a big role.

Methodology

Participants were genotyped for 382 short tandem repeat markers, and fibrinogen levels were measured using standard techniques.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the recruitment of participants from specific communities.

Limitations

The study may not be generalizable to other populations due to the specific demographic focus.

Participant Demographics

Participants were over 3,600 American Indians from multi-generational families.

Statistical Information

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2350-9-77

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