Figure 1: A genome-wide association study for circulating metabolites.
Study was conducted to elucidate the genetic variation of systemic metabolism and to discover new metabolic associations in established loci. We also revealed an intriguing novel relation between Lp(a) and systemic triglyceride and VLDL metabolism. Thereby, we highlighted the LPA locus and generated the best possible Lp(a) genetic risk score (GRSLp(a)) that enabled us to clarify causal associations between Lp(a) and systemic triglyceride and lipoprotein metabolism. Further, with the aid of extensive electronic health-care records, we were able to use the GRSLp(a) to show that Lp(a) is associated with ischaemic heart disease but not strongly with other morbidities. Put together, these findings suggest safe molecular intervention on LPA to reduce individual cardiovascular risk.
