GENDI

Gene-diet interactions in the development of atherosclerosis and osteoporosis  

Consortium Leader:
Docent Olli Raitakari, Turku University Hospital (www.utu.fi)

Other group leaders:
Professor Leena Räsänen, University of Helsinki, Department of Applied Chemistry and Microbiology (www.helsinki.fi)
Professor Terho Lehtimäki, University of Tampere,  Department of Clinical Chemistry (www.uta.fi)
Professor Mika Kähönen, University of Tampere (www.uta.fi)

Other persons involved in the project:
Researchers Marika Laaksonen and Vera Mikkilä, University of Helsinki, Department of Applied Chemistry and Microbiology
Researcher Nina Mononen, University of Tampere, Department of Clinical Chemistry

ABSTRACT

The main objectives of this research are to test gene-diet interactions in the development of atherosclerosis and osteoporosis (some of them observed previously in other populations), to find new gene-diet interaction effects on the outcomes under investigation, and to obtain new information on the mechanisms and congruencies in the etiology of atherosclerosis and osteoporosis. The research expands from the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study, which is an ongoing, multidisciplinary collaboration between five universities with medical schools and several other institutions in Finland. Its main aim is to study the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and their determinants. The first cross-sectional study was performed in 1980, and included 3,596 children and adolescents aged 3 to18 years. The same subjects have been followed since, and the latest follow-up study was carried out in

2001, when subjects were 24 to 39 years of age (N=2,620). The examinations have included comprehensive data collection using questionnaires, physical measurements and blood tests. Dietary data have been collected using detailed dietary interviews and questionnaires. In addition to the usual protocol, this 21-year follow-up study included ultrasound measurements of arterial function and structure. New biochemical measurements included DNA testing for candidate genes as well as emerging risk factors, e.g. C-reactive protein, apolipoproteins, leptin, adiponectine and homocysteine. Bone density measurements have been carried out twice in subgroups of the subjects (n=264 and 275). The longitudinal and cumulative data allows us to efficiently find answers to the research questions. To accomplish this, we will combine genetic data with information on nutrition collected from childhood to adulthood, and relate these data to measurements of vascular structure and function and bone density performed in adulthood.

The results of this research will add to the knowledge on the relationships between lifestyle and health and disease while taking into account the genetic variability. As a long-term target of application, current dietary and other life-style recommendations could be aimed more specifically to particular genetic groups and even be individualised in the future. Our study will strengthen this expertise in Finland, and also provide a better understanding of how the phenomena under investigation are manifested in the Finnish population.

Key words:   nutrigenetics, epidemiology, genes, diet, atherosclerosis, osteoporosis, longitudinal, Young Finns