P3.04 GENETIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO ARTERIAL STIFFENING, ATHEROSCLEROTIC PLAQUE AND CALCIFICATION

DOI

10.1016/j.artres.2013.10.092How to use a DOI?

Abstract

Introduction: The prognostic importance of aortic calcification is often attributed to its close association with atherosclerotic plaque but it may relate to its effects on aortic stiffness and be driven by processes distinct from those of atherosclerosis. The aim of the present study was to determine the individual heritability of atherosclerosis plaque, calcification and aortic stiffness.

Methods: For heritability we examined 900 female twins from the Twins UK cohort aged 21–81 years and measured pulse wave velocity (PWV) and calcified and non-calcified plaque by carotid ultrasound. Total aortic plaque burden and calcium score were measured in a sub-sample of 100 women who underwent computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Heritability and effect of environmental factors were estimated using structural equation modelling

Results: In the total cohort, adjusted heritability estimates of PWV and calcified plaque were 38% (confidence interval (CI): 19–59%) and 0.61 (CI: 4–83%), respectively. In contrast heritability of non-calcified plaque was only 5% (CI: 0–61%). Shared genetic factors accounted for 92% of the correlation between PWV and calcified plaque. In a sub-sample of twins with CT/MRI imaging an additive genetic component accounted for 77% (CI: 32%–89%) of variation in total aortic calcification. Shared genetic factors accounted for >99% of the correlation between PWV and calcification.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest calcification is driven by processes that are, at least in part, distinct from atherosclerosis. The association between aortic stiffening and calcification can be accounted for by common genetic factors, which contribute little to atherosclerosis.

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TY  - JOUR
AU  - M. Cecelja
AU  - T. Hussain
AU  - G. Greil
AU  - T. Spector
AU  - P. Chowienczyk
PY  - 2013
DA  - 2013/11/11
TI  - P3.04 GENETIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO ARTERIAL STIFFENING, ATHEROSCLEROTIC PLAQUE AND CALCIFICATION
JO  - Artery Research
SP  - 127
EP  - 127
VL  - 7
IS  - 3-4
SN  - 1876-4401
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.artres.2013.10.092
DO  - 10.1016/j.artres.2013.10.092
ID  - Cecelja2013
ER  -