Heritability and Genome-Wide Association Analyses of Intracranial Carotid Artery Calcification

Abstract

) that were significantly associated with ICAC volume. Rs1537372 replicated in an independent sample of 716 stroke patients (P combined =1.38×10 −10 ). Conclusions-ICAC volume is a heritable trait, which is partly explained by common genetic variation. We identified specific genetic variants associated with ICAC, which given the importance of ICAC in stroke risk, needs replication in larger-scale studies to further elucidate its genetic basis.

Heritability of Cardiothoracic Ratio and Aortic Arch Calcification in Twins

“…Furthermore, none of them included both members of a pair. However, a previous study found 36% heritability of aortic arch calcification detected on nonenhanced CT scans [ 29 ]. This could have been due to the several differences between our study concepts such as the different imaging modalities.…”

Markers of Carotid Atherosclerosis in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

“…candidate genes of inflammation, oxidative stress, growth factors, renin-angiotensin aldosterone system, and so-forth) has so far been demonstrated in several reports to affect the development of atherosclerosis [2]. Genetic variability in the candidate genes implicated in atherosclerosis may alter their transcriptional activity and contribute to susceptibility to cardiovascular disease [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]. In the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis genetic, environmental, and epigenetic factors are involved [4][5].…”

“…Genetic and epigenetic factors may be studied with two main approaches, candidate gene approach and genome wide association study (GWAS) approach [4][5][6][7][8][9]11]. Candidate gene approach is hypothesis-driven approach, whereas in GWAS approach appropriate subset of patients (i.e.…”

“…Candidate gene approach is hypothesis-driven approach, whereas in GWAS approach appropriate subset of patients (i.e. patients with coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, T2DM, bronchial asthma, Crohn disease and so forth) are genetically analyzed and distribution of genotypes/alleles compared with appropriate control subjects [4][5][6][7][8].…”

“…So far, several studies using either candidate gene approach or GWAS approach have been reported several genetic markers for either CIMT or subclinical carotid atherosclerosis, however most reports studied patients in general population, and only few enrolled subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) [4][5][6][7][8][9]11]. It should be emphasized, however, that whatever approach (candidate gene or GWAS approach) may be used, crucial is well-designed and appropriately selected study group.…”