Family Research Study: Metabolism of Fats and Proteins in Specific Ethnic Groups

University of California (UC) Davis

Status

Completed

Conditions

Healthy

Heart Disease

Treatments

Other: No intervention, observational study

Study type

Observational

Funder types

Other

NIH

Identifiers

NCT00853775

200816533

2R01HL062705-05A2 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)

Details and patient eligibility

About

The purpose of this study is to determine whether lipoprotein(a), also called Lp(a), is a risk factor for cardiovascular (heart) disease. Lipoproteins are tiny particles that circulate in the blood. They contain cholesterol, fat, and protein in varying amounts depending on the body's need. Higher levels of lipoproteins in the blood can cause an increased risk of heart disease.

The investigators believe that by studying the Lp(a) lipoprotein in Caucasians and African Americans, the investigators can assess for genetic variation factors related to cardiovascular (heart) disease. The investigators will be looking at 100 African-American families and 100 Caucasian families to confirm whether a higher Lp(a) level is an indicator of a higher risk for heart disease.

Full description

During the study visit the research staff will ask about the medical history, perform a brief physical exam, and draw approximately 4 teaspoons of blood of each family member.

Enrollment

325 patients

Sex

All

Ages

6+ years old

Volunteers

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

Of Caucasian or African descent
Families must have 2 natural/biological parents and 2 natural/biological offspring
6 years old or older

Exclusion criteria

Races other than African American or Caucasian
Families without 2 natural/biological parents and 2 natural/biological offspring
younger that 6 years old