MicroRNAs as potential Biomarkers for Coronary Artery Calcification
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A case-control study to investigate the role of a microRNA signature to determine an individual's presence and extent of coronary artery calcification. A substudy to establish the relationship between coronary artery calcification, bone mineral density and markers of bone metabolism.
IRAS ID
123526
Contact name
Michael Mahmoudi
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Surrey
Research summary
Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of mortality in the UK. Coronary artery calcification (CAC), quantified using CT (computed tomography) coronary angiography, has been shown to correlate with burden of coronary artery disease and cardiovascular mortality. Use of a serum biomarker (or blood test) to determine the extent of CAC would determine an individual's cardiovascular risk and may allow appropriate investigation and treatment without the use of ionising radiation associated with CT coronary angiography.
Mechanisms underlying isolated CAC have not been elucidated. MicroRNAs, small non-coding proteins which regulate gene expression, have emerged as a powerful tool in the detection of various cardiovascular disorders. There is evidence that microRNAs may be used to detect CAC in animal models but this has not been studied in humans in vivo.
Previous studies have shown a link between increased CAC and low bone mineral density as well as Vitamin D deficiency. We plan to assess this relationship as well as markers of bone formation and breakdown which may explain this inverse correlation.
We plan to perform a prospective case-control study in collaboration with The Royal Surrey County Hospital, The University of Surrey and The University of Cambridge. We will identify patients with CAC 'cases' and matched patients with undetectable CAC, their 'controls'. Participants will be recruited whilst attending for CT coronary angiography at The Royal Surrey County Hospital. Participation will involve having a single venous blood sample taken on this occasion, completing a 4-day food diary, wearing a discrete UV dosimeter for one week and finally a visit to The University of Surrey for a bone scan. We expect the study to begin in June 2013 and plan to recruit 100 patients over a 12 month period.
REC name
London - Surrey Borders Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/LO/0644
Date of REC Opinion
19 Jun 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion