Genetic Correlations Between Circulating Mirnas and Lipid Profiles Reveal Novel Biomarkers of CVD Risk

Objectives: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the US, and prevention of CVD focuses on improving the lipid profile of patients at risk. The human plasma lipidome consists of thousands of lipid species. We have previously measured 315 such lipid species in the San Antonio Family Heart Study (SAFHS) cohort. These lipid species represent valuable endophenotypes for identifying genes involved in lipid metabolism related to CVD. Recent evidence has implicated microRNAs (miRNAs) in CVD pathogenesis. An expanded understanding of the function of miRNAs in gene networks associated with CVD will enable identification of novel mechanisms and biomarkers of disease. We conducted an analysis of circulating miRNAs associated with the human lipidome.