Cohort profile: Andhra Pradesh Children and Parents Study (APCAPS)

Area of Science:

• Public Health and Epidemiology
• Human Genetics
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• The Andhra Pradesh Children and Parents Study (APCAPS) originated from the Hyderabad Nutrition Trial (HNT), established in 1987-90.
• HNT aimed to assess the impact of nutritional supplementation on birthweight in pregnant women and children.
• APCAPS expanded to investigate trans-generational effects of environmental and genetic factors on chronic diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the long-term effects of early-life undernutrition on cardiovascular disease risk.
• To explore trans-generational influences of environmental and genetic factors on chronic diseases in rural India.
• To re-examine HNT index children and their mothers, and expand the cohort to include parents and siblings.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal cohort study design, building upon the Hyderabad Nutrition Trial (HNT).
• Retrospective and prospective follow-up of participants, including index children, mothers, parents, and siblings.
• Comprehensive data collection: socio-demographic, lifestyle, medical, anthropometric, physiological, vascular, body composition, DNA, plasma, lipids, and inflammatory markers.

Main Results:

• The study has collected extensive data on a large cohort in rural Andhra Pradesh.
• Detailed health and genetic information is available for participants across multiple generations.
• Ongoing recruitment aims to expand the cohort to approximately 55,000 residents.

Conclusions:

• APCAPS provides a valuable resource for studying the complex interplay of nutrition, environment, genetics, and chronic disease risk.
• The study facilitates research into the long-term and trans-generational health consequences of early-life exposures.
• Data access is available for researchers interested in exploring these critical public health issues.