Neuropeptide Y Gene Variants and Early-Onset Atherosclerosis
Author Information
Author(s): Svati H. Shah, Neil J. Freedman, Lisheng Zhang, David R. Crosslin, David H. Stone, Carol Haynes, Jessica Johnson, Sarah Nelson, Liyong Wang, Jessica J. Connelly, Michael Muehlbauer, Geoffrey S. Ginsburg, David C. Crossman, Christopher J. H. Jones, Jeffery Vance, Michael H. Sketch Jr, Christopher B. Granger, Christopher B. Newgard, Simon G. Gregory, Pascal J. Goldschmidt-Clermont, William E. Kraus, Elizabeth R. Hauser
Primary Institution: Duke University Medical Center
Hypothesis
Do neuropeptide Y (NPY) gene variants affect atherosclerosis through effects on NPY plasma levels?
Conclusion
NPY gene variants are associated with early-onset coronary artery disease and contribute to atherosclerosis pathogenesis.
Supporting Evidence
- NPY variants were linked to CAD in a study of 420 families.
- Association of NPY SNPs with CAD was validated in a cohort of 556 non-familial early-onset CAD cases.
- One SNP (rs16147) was associated with higher plasma NPY levels.
- Antagonism of the NPY1 receptor reduced atherosclerosis in a mouse model.
Takeaway
Some people have genes that make them more likely to get heart problems when they are young, and one of these genes is called neuropeptide Y.
Methodology
The study combined family-based linkage analysis with case-control association studies to evaluate NPY gene variants in early-onset CAD.
Potential Biases
Potential for bias due to the genetic diversity of the cohorts and the focus on specific populations.
Limitations
The study may be affected by population stratification, and the sample size for non-Caucasians was small.
Participant Demographics
Participants included families with early-onset CAD, with a mean age of onset around 43.7 years, and a majority were male.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.004
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.11–2.31
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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