Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 18, 2026

Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles
09:15

Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles

Published on: November 10, 2017

15.1K

Mendelian randomization analysis of cholesteryl ester transfer protein and subclinical atherosclerosis: A

Tim Christen1, Stella Trompet2, Raymond Noordam2

  • 1Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands.

Journal of Clinical Lipidology
|November 28, 2017
PubMed

Insights

This study found no causal link between cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) levels and atherosclerosis in the general population. However, differing effects were observed in men and women, suggesting potential associations in specific subgroups.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Disease Research
  • Genetics and Epidemiology
  • Lipid Metabolism

Background:

  • Previous trials inhibiting cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) for cardiovascular disease prevention have largely failed.
  • The causal relationship between CETP and atherosclerosis remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the causal relationship between genetically determined CETP concentration and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT).
  • To analyze this relationship in a population-based cohort using Mendelian randomization.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from the Netherlands Epidemiology of Obesity study.
  • Genotyped participants and measured cIMT via ultrasonography.
  • Employed a weighted genetic risk score for CETP based on 3 single-nucleotide polymorphisms.

Main Results:

  • No causal relation was found between genetically determined CETP and cIMT in the total population of 5655 participants.
  • Directionally differing associations were observed between men and women.
  • Potential associations were noted in normoglycemic men and (pre)diabetic women, requiring further replication.

Conclusions:

  • Genetically determined CETP concentration does not appear to have a causal relationship with cIMT in the general population.
  • Observed sex-specific effects and associations in stratified subgroups warrant further investigation.
  • Replication studies are needed to confirm findings in individuals with specific cardiometabolic risk profiles.
Abstract

Keywords:
AtherosclerosisCohortEpidemiologyMendelian randomizationReverse cholesterol transport

More Related Videos

Quantitative Analysis of Cellular Composition in Advanced Atherosclerotic Lesions of Smooth Muscle Cell Lineage-Tracing Mice09:06

Quantitative Analysis of Cellular Composition in Advanced Atherosclerotic Lesions of Smooth Muscle Cell Lineage-Tracing Mice

Published on: February 20, 2019

8.9K

Related Concept Videos

Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
460
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...
586
Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets01:29

Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets

Advances in genomics have profoundly influenced drug discovery by increasing both the speed and accuracy of pharmaceutical development. Pharmacogenomics, which examines how genetic variation influences drug response, facilitates the identification of novel therapeutic targets and enables patient stratification for personalized treatment. These strategies contribute to improved drug efficacy, minimized adverse effects, and more efficient clinical trial design.Mapping genetic differences...
10
Atherosclerosis I: Introduction01:30

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...
1.3K
Randomized Experiments01:13

Randomized Experiments

The randomization process involves assigning study participants randomly to experimental or control groups based on their probability of being equally assigned. Randomization is meant to eliminate selection bias and balance known and unknown confounding factors so that the control group is similar to the treatment group as much as possible. A computer program and a random number generator can be used to assign participants to groups in a way that minimizes bias.
Simple randomization
Simple...
9.1K
Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation01:29

Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation

Although not a source of energy, cholesterol plays a significant role as a foundational structure for bile salts, steroid hormones, and vitamin D, as well as being a crucial component of plasma membranes. Approximately 15% of blood cholesterol is derived from our diet, with the remainder synthesized from acetyl CoA by the liver and intestines. Cholesterol is eliminated from the body through its conversion into bile salts, which are eventually discarded in the feces.
Considering cholesterol and...
1.5K