Global Profiling of Gene and Protein Expression Associated With Coronary Heart Disease Reversal

Global Profiling of Gene and Protein Expression Associated With Coronary Heart Disease Reversal

The purpose of this study is to characterize changes in gene and protein expression in peripheral blood in patients with, or at risk for, heart disease during an intensive lifestyle modification program.

This project will use an integrated approach that examines DNA variation and the functional products of genes at both the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels to provide a global view of molecular changes associated with drastic lifestyle modifications designed to reverse coronary heart disease (CHD). DNA variants and/or changes in gene and protein expression associated with CHD reversal may provide important clues to understanding molecular mechanisms of subclinical CHD development and progression.

Inclusion Criteria:

• diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD)
• stable angina
• angioplasty
• evidence of >50% luminal narrowing on coronary angiogram
• acute myocardial infarction
• bypass surgery
• stent placement OR
• two or more CAD risk factors
• systolic pressure >140 mm Hg or diastolic pressure >90 mm Hg)
• high total cholesterol (>200 mg/dL)
• physician diagnosed diabetes
• body mass index (BMI) >30
• family history of heart disease in parents or siblings
• 21 years of age or older
• mentally competent to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• known history of autoimmune disease
• systemic/chronic disease requiring chemotherapy or long term treatment