Identification of excess clustering of coronary heart diseases among extended pedigrees in a genealogical population database

Evidence for excess familial clustering of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in the US Veterans Genealogy resource

A genealogy of the United States has been record-linked to National Veteran's Health Administration (VHA) patient data to allow non-identifiable analysis of familial clustering. This genealogy, including over 70 million individuals linked to over 1 million VHA patients, is the largest such combined resource reported. Analysis of familial clustering among VHA patients diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) allowed a test of the hypothesis of an inherited contribution to PTSD. PTSD is associated strongly with military service and extended familial clustering data have not previously been presented. PTSD-affected VHA patients with genealogy data were identified by presence of an ICD diagnosis code in the VHA medical record in at least 2 different years. The Genealogical Index of Familiality (GIF) method was used to compare the average relatedness of VHA patients diagnosed with PTSD with their expected average relatedness, estimated from randomly selected sets of matched linked VHA patient controls. Relative risks for PTSD were estimated in first-, second-, and third-degree relatives of PTSD patients who were also VHA patients, using sex and age-matched rates for PTSD estimated from all linked VHA patients. Significant excess pairwise relatedness, and significantly elevated risk for PTSD in first-, second-, and third-degree relatives was observed; multiple high-risk extended PTSD pedigrees were identified. The analysis provides evidence for excess familial clustering of PTSD and identified high-risk PTSD pedigrees. These results support an inherited contribution to PTSD predisposition and identify a powerful resource of high-risk PTSD pedigrees for predisposition gene identification.

Evidence for a Heritable Contribution to Atrial Fibrillation Associated With Fibrosis

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to define the population-based familial clustering of atrial fibrillation (AF) that is associated with fibrosis and describe evidence for a heritable predisposition.

BACKGROUND

Although a heritable contribution to AF is well-established and the association of fibrosis with AF is well-recognized, no studies have analyzed the genetic contribution to AF co-occurring with fibrosis.

METHODS

AF patients with magnetic resonance imaging-confirmed fibrosis were identified in a population-based health sciences center database linked to a Utah genealogy. Familial clustering of AF/fibrosis was defined by analysis of pairwise case relatedness, estimation of relative risk of AF/fibrosis in relatives, and identification of high-risk AF/fibrosis pedigrees.

RESULTS

The 694 individuals identified with AF/fibrosis who had at least 3 generations of genealogy data were found to have significantly elevated pairwise relatedness (p < 0.001), even when first- and second-degree relationships were ignored (p < 0.001). Significantly elevated risks for AF/fibrosis among first- (relative risk [RR]: 4.65), second- (RR: 3.14), and third-degree (RR: 2.70) relatives of individuals with AF/fibrosis were observed. We identified 157 extended Utah pedigrees with a significant excess of AF/fibrosis among descendants.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a strong heritable contribution to predisposition to AF co-occurring with fibrosis. We suggest that this study provides a unique foundation for a search for predisposition genes, specifically for AF co-occurring with fibrosis.

Effects of early intravenous low-dose of metoprolol on cardiac sympathetic activities and electrophysiological properties in myocardial infarction heart

This study observed the effects of early intravenous low-doses of metoprolol on cardiac sympathetic activities and electrophysiological properties in myocardial infarction (MI) dogs. Thirty two mongrel dogs with the first diagonal branch of the left anterior descending coronary artery ligated were randomly divided into three groups: The low-dose group was given metoprolol 0.6 mg/kg immediately by intravenous injection (n=12); the target-dose group was given metoprolol 1.6 mg/kg (n=12), and the control group was injected with normal saline at the same dose of the target-dose group (n=8). Norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E) levels in the coronary sinus (CS) blood as well as the ventricular effective refractory period (ERP) were all measured during the experiments. We found that NE and E concentrations in the three groups were all increased compared with the previous measurement before ligation. ERP values after MI were significantly decreased in all three groups compared with the first measurements. The three groups all exhibited uneven shortness of ERP among different regions, with significant shortness in infarcted area. Furthermore, there was no difference between the low and target-dose of metoprolol in the reduction of regional ERP, and the same effect was also observed in induced arrhythmias. In conclusion, a lower dose of metoprolol performed similarly as target-dose in reducing the catecholamine concentrations in dogs with MI. Our study demonstrated that a lower dose of metoprolol may be reasonable compared with the target-dose in β-blocker therapy due to similar effect and lower toxicity.

Genetic Contribution to Nonsquamous, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in Nonsmokers

INTRODUCTION

Lung carcinogenesis is strongly influenced by environmental and heritable factors. The genetic contribution to the different histologic subtypes is unknown.

METHODS

A population-based computerized genealogy resource linked to a statewide cancer registry of lung cancer cases (N = 5408) was analyzed to evaluate the heritable contribution to lung cancer histologic subtype in smokers (n = 1751) and nonsmokers (n = 818). Statistical methods were used to test for significant excess relatedness of lung cancer cases.

RESULTS

Significant excess distant relatedness was observed for all lung cancer histologic subgroups analyzed except for the SCLC subset (p = 0.213). When histologic subsets of smokers and nonsmokers with lung cancer were considered, excess relatedness was observed only in nonsmokers with NSCLC (n = 653 [p = 0.026]) and, in particular, in those nonsmokers with the nonsquamous histologic subtype (n = 561 [p = 0.036]). A total of 61 pedigrees demonstrating a significant excess risk of nonsquamous lung cancer in nonsmokers were identified, and an excess of cases in females was observed among the individuals with these high-risk pedigrees.

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis supports a genetic predisposition to lung cancer carcinogenesis in nonsmokers with nonsquamous NSCLC.

A computational framework to characterize and compare the geometry of coronary networks

This work presents a computational framework to perform a systematic and comprehensive assessment of the morphometry of coronary arteries from in vivo medical images. The methodology embraces image segmentation, arterial vessel representation, characterization and comparison, data storage, and finally analysis. Validation is performed using a sample of 48 patients. Data mining of morphometric information of several coronary arteries is presented. Results agree to medical reports in terms of basic geometric and anatomical variables. Concerning geometric descriptors, inter-artery and intra-artery correlations are studied. Data reported here can be useful for the construction and setup of blood flow models of the coronary circulation. Finally, as an application example, similarity criterion to assess vasculature likelihood based on geometric features is presented and used to test geometric similarity among sibling patients. Results indicate that likelihood, measured through geometric descriptors, is stronger between siblings compared with non-relative patients. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Genetic analysis of low BMI phenotype in the Utah Population Database

The low body mass index (BMI) phenotype of less than 18.5 has been linked to medical and psychological morbidity as well as increased mortality risk. Although genetic factors have been shown to influence BMI across the entire BMI, the contribution of genetic factors to the low BMI phenotype is unclear. We hypothesized genetic factors would contribute to risk of a low BMI phenotype. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a genealogy data analysis using height and weight measurements from driver's license data from the Utah Population Data Base. The Genealogical Index of Familiality (GIF) test and relative risk in relatives were used to examine evidence for excess relatedness among individuals with the low BMI phenotype. The overall GIF test for excess relatedness in the low BMI phenotype showed a significant excess over expected (GIF 4.47 for all cases versus 4.10 for controls, overall empirical p-value<0.001). The significant excess relatedness was still observed when close relationships were ignored, supporting a specific genetic contribution rather than only a family environmental effect. This study supports a specific genetic contribution in the risk for the low BMI phenotype. Better understanding of the genetic contribution to low BMI holds promise for weight regulation and potentially for novel strategies in the treatment of leanness and obesity.

Relation of subclinical coronary artery atherosclerosis to cerebral white matter disease in healthy subjects from families with early-onset coronary artery disease

White matter disease (WMD) of the brain is associated with incident stroke. Similarly, subclinical calcified coronary artery plaque has been associated with incident coronary artery disease (CAD) events. Although atherogenesis in both vascular beds may share some common mechanisms, the extent to which subclinical CAD is associated with WMD across age ranges in subjects with a family history of early-onset CAD remains unknown. We screened 405 apparently healthy participants in the Genetic Study of Atherosclerotic Risk for CAD risk factors and for the presence of noncalcified and calcified coronary plaque using dual-source multidetector cardiac computed tomographic angiography. The presence and volumes of WMD were assessed by 3-Tesla brain magnetic resonance imaging. Participants were 60% women, 36% African-American, mean age 51.6 ± 10.6 years. The overall prevalence of coronary plaque was 43.0%. Subjects with coronary plaque had significantly greater WMD volumes (median 1,222 mm³, interquartile range 448 to 3,871) compared with those without coronary plaque (median 551 mm³, interquartile range 105 to 1,523, p <0.001). In multivariate regression analysis, adjusting for age, gender, race, traditional risk factors, total brain volume, and intrafamilial correlations, the presence of coronary plaque was independently associated with WMD volume (p = 0.05). This study shows a significant association between WMD and noncalcified and calcified coronary plaque in healthy subjects, independent of age and risk factors. In conclusion, these findings support the premise of possible shared causal pathways in 2 vascular beds in families at increased risk for early-onset vascular disease.

Use of a genealogical database demonstrates heritability of pulmonary fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a progressive fatal disease of unknown etiology. Identification of risk genes and pathways will enhance our understanding of this disease. Analysis of Utah genealogical resources has shown previously strong evidence for a genetic contribution to other disease, such as cancer. This approach has led to gene discovery in diseases, such as breast cancer and colon cancer and is used here for PF to quantify the heritability.

HYPOTHESIS

We hypothesize that there is a heritable contribution to death from PF and use existing genealogic and death certificate data to examine patterns of relatedness amongst individuals who have died of PF.

METHODS

We analyzed familial clustering of individuals who died from PF using the Utah Population Database, a unique population-based genealogical resource that has been linked to death certificates dating from 1904. We identified 1,000 individuals with at least three generations of genealogy data and a cause of death documented as PF (cases). We estimated the relative risk (RR) of death from PF among the first-, second-, and third-degree relatives of cases. We also tested the hypothesis of excess relatedness among the cases by comparing the average pairwise relatedness of all cases to the average pair-wise relatedness of 1,000 sets of matched controls.

RESULTS

We observed significantly increased risk for death from PF among the first- (RR = 4.69), second- (RR = 1.92), and third-degree relatives (RR = 1.14) of cases. The average relatedness of the 1,000 cases was significantly higher than the expected average relatedness of matched control sets (p < 0.001). When close (first- and second-degree) relationships were ignored, significantly increased relatedness remained (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate significant clustering among both close and distant relatives, providing strong support for genetic contributions to death from PF. High-risk pedigrees derived from this unique resource may help identify new risk genes and gene pathways.

Severity of inducible myocardial ischemia predicts incident acute coronary syndromes in asymptomatic individuals with a family history of premature coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

Although the severity of inducible ischemia provides incremental prognostic information in persons with known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD), its significance for predicting long-term CAD outcomes in apparently healthy populations is unknown. This study was designed to evaluate the presence and degree of myocardial ischemia in asymptomatic siblings of persons with premature CAD <60 years of age and to determine its significance for predicting incident acute coronary syndromes (ACS) during follow-up of 5 to 25 years.

METHODS

Siblings (n = 1,287, age 30-59 years, 55% female) were screened for traditional risk factors, underwent exercise treadmill testing with nuclear perfusion imaging, and were followed for the development of ACS (mean follow-up 11.6 ± 5.1 years). The severity of ischemia was assessed by semiquantitative methods using the standard 17-segment model and then categorized by the percent maximal summed stress score as none (0%), minimal (1% to <5%), mild (5% to 10%), moderate (10% to 15%), or severe (≥15%).

RESULTS

ACS occurred in 132 subjects (10.3%) and included sudden cardiac death (n = 13), acute MI (n = 62), and unstable angina with revascularization (n = 57). The presence of no (88%), minimal (6%), mild (5%), and moderate/severe (1%) ischemia was associated with an ACS incidence of 8.3%, 19.7%, 25.0%, and 38.9%, respectively (P < .0001 for trend). Kaplan-Meier event-free survival analyses by myocardial ischemia severity categories showed that even minimal and mild myocardial ischemia were associated with greater ACS incidence detectable as early as 2 years after baseline. A Cox proportional hazard model, adjusted for risk factors and follow-up time, showed that each 5% increment in the severity of ischemia resulted in a 77% increase in the hazard of incident ACS (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Inducible myocardial ischemia is prevalent in asymptomatic siblings of persons with early onset CAD. Most ischemia is minimal or mild in severity, and although the severity of ischemia is associated with the risk of ACS in a graded fashion, the presence of even minimal and mild perfusion defects predicts worse CAD outcomes in this population.

Complex genotype sarcomas display familial inheritance independent of known cancer predisposition syndromes

BACKGROUND

The low incidence of sarcomas in the general population makes heritable contribution to disease risk difficult to discern beyond highly penetrant Mendelian syndromes.

METHODS

The Utah Cancer Registry (UCR) and Utah Population Database were interrogated for sarcoma diagnostic codes grouped by genetic type, either complex genotype/karyotype sarcoma or balanced translocation-associated sarcoma. The genealogic index of familiality (GIF) was calculated and relative risks (RR) of disease estimated for first-, second-, and third-degree relatives of sarcoma probands. Cancer patterns in pedigrees of sarcoma probands were examined to rule out known hereditary cancer syndromes.

RESULTS

A total of 229 balanced translocation type and 1,161 complex genotype type sarcomas with at least three generations of ancestral genealogy data were identified in the UCR. There was no evidence for excess relatedness for the balanced translocation group by using the GIF test (P = 0.657) and no significantly elevated RRs. In the complex genotype group, we observed significantly elevated GIF (P = 0.03). Modest RRs corroborated the GIF analysis, in which excess relatedness existed in distant relationships. No recognized cancer syndromes were identified among high-risk pedigrees.

DISCUSSION

We identified strong familiality among complex genotype sarcomas, independent from known cancer predisposition syndromes. In the absence of significantly elevated RRs for close relatives, the high GIF argues for a strong genetic-rather than environmental-component to complex genotype sarcoma risk. We observed no significant familial risk of developing balanced translocation-associated sarcomas, but the sample was small.

IMPACT

There exists yet to be deciphered heritable risk for developing complex genotype sarcomas.

A heritable predisposition to pituitary tumors

Pituitary tumors are prevalent in the general population, with a frequency of nearly 1 in 5. The cause of most pituitary tumors remains unknown, although a genetic contribution is recognized for some. We analyzed the Utah Population Data Base (UPDB), a resource combining a computerized genealogy of the Utah population with a statewide tumor registry, to investigate familial clustering of pituitary tumors. We analyzed the genetic relationships among 741 individuals diagnosed with benign or malignant pituitary tumors who had Utah genealogy data. To test for evidence of genetic contribution to predisposition, we compared average relatedness between all pairs of individuals with pituitary tumors with the expected relatedness in this population. We also estimated relative risks (RRs) for pituitary tumors in close and distant relatives of cases by comparing observed and expected numbers of cases among relatives. Relative risks for first- and third-degree relatives were significantly elevated (RR = 2.83 and 1.63, respectively), while relative risk for second-degree relatives was not significantly different from 1.0 (RR = 0.83). The average pairwise relatedness of pituitary tumor cases was significantly higher than expected, even when close relationships were ignored. The significantly elevated risks to relatives as well as the significant excess distant relatedness observed in cases provide strong support for a genetic contribution to predisposition to pituitary tumors. Multiple high-risk pedigrees can be identified in the UPDB, and study of such pedigrees might allow identification of the gene(s) responsible for our observations. Recognizing genetic contribution to the disease may also help with counseling family members of affected individuals.

Population-based family history-specific risks for colorectal cancer: a constellation approach

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Colorectal cancer (CRC) risk estimates based on family history typically include only close relatives. We report familial relative risk (FRR) in probands with various combinations, or constellations, of affected relatives, extending to third-degree.

METHODS

A population-based resource that includes a computerized genealogy linked to statewide cancer records was used to identify genetic relationships among CRC cases and their first-, second-, and third-degree relatives (FDRs, SDRs, and TDRs). FRRs were estimated by comparing the observed number of affected persons with a particular family history constellation to the expected number, based on cohort-specific CRC rates.

RESULTS

A total of 2,327,327 persons included in > or =3 generation family histories were analyzed; 10,556 had a diagnosis of CRC. The FRR for CRC in persons with > or =1 affected FDR = 2.05 (95% CI, 1.96-2.14), consistent with published estimates. In the absence of a positive first-degree family history, considering both affected SDRs and TDRs, only 1 constellation had an FRR estimate that was significantly >1.0 (0 affected FDRs, 1 affected SDR, 2 affected TDRs; FRR = 1.33; 95% CI, 1.13-1.55). The FRR for persons with 1 affected FDR, 1 affected SDR, and 0 affected TDRs was 1.88 (95% CI, 1.59-2.20), increasing to FRR = 3.28 (95% CI, 2.44-4.31) for probands with 1 affected FDR, 1 affected SDR, and > or =3 affected TDRs.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased numbers of affected FDRs influences risk much more than affected SDRs or TDRs. However, when combined with a positive first-degree family history, a positive second- and third-degree family history can significantly increase risk.

Familiality in brain tumors

BACKGROUND

Familiality in brain tumors is not definitively substantiated.

METHODS

We used the Utah Population Data Base (UPDB), a genealogy representing the Utah pioneers and their descendants, record-linked to statewide cancer records, to describe the familial nature of primary brain cancer. We examined the familial clustering of primary brain tumors, including subgroups defined by histologic type and age at diagnosis. The UPDB includes 1,401 primary brain tumor cases defined as astrocytoma or glioblastoma, all with at least three generations of genealogy data. We tested the hypothesis of excess relatedness of brain tumor cases using the Genealogical Index of Familiality method. We estimated relative risks for brain tumors in relatives using rates of brain tumors estimated internally.

RESULTS

Significant excess relatedness was observed for astrocytomas and glioblastomas considered as a group (n = 1,401), for astrocytomas considered separately (n = 744), but not for glioblastomas considered separately (n = 658). Significantly increased risks to first- and second-degree relatives for astrocytomas were identified for relatives of astrocytomas considered separately. Significantly increased risks to first-degree relatives, but not second degree, were observed for astrocytoma and glioblastoma cases considered together, and for glioblastoma cases considered separately.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides strong evidence for a familial contribution to primary brain cancer risk. There is evidence that this familial aspect includes not only shared environment, but also a heritable component. Extended high-risk brain tumor pedigrees identified in the UPDB may provide the opportunity to identify predisposition genes responsible for familial brain tumors.

Evidence for a heritable predisposition to death due to influenza

Animal model studies and human epidemiological studies have shown that some infectious diseases develop primarily in individuals with an inherited predisposition. A heritable contribution to the development of severe influenza virus infection (i.e., that which results in death) has not previously been hypothesized or tested. Evidence for a heritable contribution to death due to influenza was examined using a resource consisting of a genealogy of the Utah population linked to death certificates in Utah over a period of 100 years. The relative risks of death due to influenza were estimated for the relatives of 4,855 individuals who died of influenza. Both close and distant relatives of individuals who died of influenza were shown to have a significantly increased risk of dying of influenza, consistent with a combination of shared exposure and genetic effects. These data provide strong support for a heritable contribution to predisposition to death due to influenza.

Associations with myocardial infarction of six polymorphisms selected from a three-stage genome-wide association study

BACKGROUND

Coronary heart disease, including its clinical manifestation, myocardial infarction (MI), is a common, complex disease with a substantive genetic component. State-of-the-art genetic epidemiology evaluates thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in association with disease cases and controls. In an independent but demographically similar population, this study tested 6 SNPs that were previously reported to be associated with MI.

METHODS

Patients hospitalized for an acute MI (n = 413) at an early age (men < 55 years, women < 65 years) were compared with age-discordant (men > or = 65 years, women > or = 70 years) control patients (n = 792) who had no MI history and no hospitalization for MI at index angiography or during longitudinal follow-up. Six SNPs were genotyped in the genes palladin, ROS1, TAS2R50, OR13G1, and ZNF627.

RESULTS

Findings were not different from the null hypothesis, with ZNF627 (AG vs. GG: odds ratio [OR] 1.47, P = .16; AA vs. GG: OR 1.20, P = .50) and both ROS1 SNPs (GG vs AA: OR 0.72, P = .21; CC vs GG: OR 0.74, P = .24) showing potentially interesting ORs but nonsignificant probabilities. After full adjustment for all SNPs and covariables, only the ZNF627 heterozygote genotype had OR > 1.5 (P = .14). Comparison of MI cases with controls without obstructive coronary artery disease and analyses stratified by sex provided similar findings.

CONCLUSIONS

Six SNPs previously reported to be associated with MI were not validated, suggesting that further investigation is needed to verify the applicability of those SNPs to cardiovascular medicine. These findings emphasize the high potential for false-positive results even in staged genome-wide association studies and further emphasize the need for continued refinement of cardiovascular genetic methodologies for clinical application.

Incidence of coronary artery disease in siblings of patients with premature coronary artery disease: 10 years of follow-up

Although family history of premature coronary artery disease (CAD) confers increased risk of CAD, the magnitude of this increase beyond that expected from the risk factors incorporated in the Framingham Risk Equation (FRE) remains unknown. We prospectively determined the accuracy of the FRE 10-year incident CAD events prediction in initially healthy siblings of patients with documented premature CAD. We recruited 784 siblings (30 to 59 years) of 449 patients hospitalized with CAD <60 years of age (1983 to 1995). We compared the estimated 10-year incidence of total CAD events by the gender-specific FREs at baseline, to the observed incidence at 10 years of follow-up. In men, the 10-year actual CAD event rate was 20%, only half of which was predicted by the FRE (12% vs 20%, p <0.001). In women, the observed CAD event rate was 7.1% (p <0.001 vs men), modestly but not significantly greater than the 6.3% predicted by the FRE (p = 0.34). Thus, there was a significant 66.6% excess risk in men, and a nonsignificant 12.7% excess risk in women beyond the risk predicted by the FRE for total CAD events. The FRE and its known classic risk factor profile failed to accurately predict total incident 10-year CAD events in individuals with a sibling history of premature CAD, most particularly in men. In conclusion, in families with a history of premature CAD, the excess risk observed cannot be attributed to traditional risk factors, suggesting a major role for as yet undetermined genetic and other susceptibility factors.

The contribution of familial and heritable risks in heart failure

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to summarize the recent literature regarding the familial heritability of heart failure and to discuss the possible mechanisms through which this risk is mediated.

RECENT FINDINGS

Data from the Framingham Heart Study recently showed that the parental occurrence of heart failure increases the risk of heart failure in offspring. Although the mechanisms mediating this increased risk are not elucidated, heritable risks of heart failure may result from genes affecting the cardiac or vascular systems. Alternatively, familial risk may be mediated partly through the inheritance of recognized or as yet unidentified risk factors for heart failure. Heritable components or genetic loci for quantitative traits contribute to the development of hypertension, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies, valvular heart disease, and metabolic conditions, which collectively increase the risk of heart failure.

SUMMARY

A careful assessment of the family history of heart failure and associated risk factors may identify treatable targets that can potentially reduce the likelihood of developing heart failure, and can assist in the implementation of preventive strategies for risk populations with stages A and B heart failure.

A genealogical assessment of heritable predisposition to asthma mortality

RATIONALE

Asthma is a multifactorial disease; genetic factors have been suggested but have not been well defined.

OBJECTIVES

This study examined evidence for a heritable component to asthma mortality using a unique data resource consisting of Utah death certificates linked to a genealogy of Utah.

METHODS

Cases were defined as individuals whose death certificate listed asthma as a cause of death in a registry of all Utah deaths since 1904 (n = 1,553). The genealogical index of familiality analysis was used to compare the average relatedness of asthma deaths to the expected relatedness in the Utah population. Relative risks for asthma death in relatives of individuals who died of asthma are provided for close and distant relatives.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The genealogical index of familiality identified a significantly higher average relatedness in cases (P < 0.001), even when close relationships were ignored. In addition, a significantly increased risk of dying of asthma was observed in first-degree relatives of cases (relative risk = 1.69, P < 0.001) and in second-degree relatives of cases (relative risk = 1.34, P = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

These results support a heritable contribution to asthma mortality.

Increased expression of inflammation-related co-stimulatory molecules by HUVECs from newborns with a strong family history of myocardial infarction stimulated with TNF-alpha and oxLDL

BACKGROUND

Recent findings indicate that atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory process, might start during childhood. Nevertheless, the expression of inflammation-related molecules of endothelial cell isolated from healthy neonates with a strong family history of myocardial infarction (SFHMI) has been rarely analyzed.

METHODS

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) from children with SFHMI were assessed for the expression of CD40 and CD40L, in the presence of TNF-alpha and oxLDL. The intracellular content of CD80, CXCL8 and tissue factor by HUVECs stimulated with a CD40 agonist monoclonal antibody as well as monocytes/lymphocyte adhesion to TNF-alpha-stimulated HUVECs was also evaluated.

RESULTS

The basal expression of CD40 and CD40L was higher in SFHMI-positive HUVECs in comparison to controls. TNF-alpha and oxLDL upregulated the expression of CD40 and CD40L in SFHMI versus control HUVECs (p<0.001). The intracellular expression of CXCL8, tissue factor and CD80 was also higher than in controls, and the adhesion of lymphocyte- and monocyte-like cells augmented upon TNF-alpha stimulation.

CONCLUSIONS

It is possible that the modifications observed in the SFHMI-positive HUVECs, all of them relevant to the atherosclerosis process, may lead to early inflammatory reactions, thus contributing to the premature initiation of atherosclerotic lesions in these children.

Genetik der koronaren Herzkrankheit und des Herzinfarkts

Aufgrund der hohen Prävalenz der koronaren Herzkrankheit (KHK) und des Herzinfarkts lassen sich in den Anamnesegesprächen oft familiäre Häufungen eruieren. Für die Risikostratifizierung ist es hierbei entscheidend, zwischen sporadischen Fällen und solchen mit „echter“ familiärer Häufung zu unterscheiden. Von einer familiären Prädisposition wird dann ausgegangen, wenn mindestens ein männlicher Verwandter 1. Grades vor dem 55. oder eine weibliche Verwandte 1. Grades vor dem 65. Lebensjahr einen Herzinfarkt erlitten haben oder eine KHK mit signifikanter Stenosierung diagnostiziert wurde. Die aktuelle Übersichtsarbeit möchte wesentliche Studien aufgreifen, aus denen sich das familiäre Risiko für die KHK und den Herzinfarkt ableitet. Darüber hinaus soll ein kurzer Überblick über den aktuellen Stand der genetischen Forschung zu KHK und Herzinfarkt gegeben werden.

Utah family-based analysis: past, present and future

A unique genealogical resource linked to phenotype data was created in Utah over 30 years ago. Here we review the history and content of this resource. In addition, we review three current methodologies used in conjunction with this resource to define the heritable contribution to phenotypes and to identify predisposition genes responsible for these phenotypes. Example analyses and high-risk pedigrees are presented. Finally we briefly review ways this resource, or others like it, may expand in future.

Genetics and heritability of coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction

A positive family history is frequently reported by patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) or myocardial infarction. For risk stratification, it is crucial to distinguish between accidental reoccurrence of sporadic cases and cases with a true heritable component of the conditions. A familial predisposition is assumed when a myocardial infarction is diagnosed by a male first degree relative before the 55th year of life or a female first degree relative before the 65th year of life. The current manuscript reviews major studies from which a familial risk of CAD or myocardial infarction can be inferred. Moreover, a brief overview summarizes the current results of molecular genetic research on chromosomal loci and genes relevant for CAD and myocardial infarction.